WestEd.org WestEd.org Introduction to Module II: Group Care Developed by Peter Mangione. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Care. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.
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Introduction to Module II:
Group Care
Developed by Peter Mangione. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Care. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.
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Critical Question
What are we trying to accomplish when caring for infants and toddlers in groups?
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Purpose of Infant/Toddler Care
Meet Parent/Family’s Needs
Meet Society’s Needs
Meet Infant’s Needs!
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1.Developmental Theory & Child Development Research
2.Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten Education3.Practice/Observation
Influences on Infant/Toddler Care
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Social-emotional growth and first relationships are the foundation for all development during infancy
Infants learn through their senses and active discovery; they are competent, motivated learners
Connection to family and culture is critically important
What We Know from Research
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What We Know from Research
“Quality of care ultimately boils down to the quality of the relationship between the child care provider or teacher and the child.”
Shonkoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. A. (2000). From neurons to neighborhoods: The science of early childhood development.
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All young children (birth to 5) learn through self-initiated active exploration, manipulation of materials, and experimentation
However:
Infants and toddlers are not developmentally ready for projects that require planning or group learning activities such as circle time
Infants and Toddlers Aren’tLittle Preschoolers
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Our best means of learning how to set up care for infants and toddlers is to observe them.
Through observation, we understand the uniqueness of infancy, the meaning of their first relationships, and the special ways that they learn.
Observation
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Module II
Environment Care Routines Small Groups and
Individualization of Care Primary Care and
Continuity of Care
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RELATIONSHIP-BASED CARE:SIX PROGRAM POLICIES
Primary Care Small Groups Continuity of Care Individualization of Care Cultural Continuity Inclusion of Children with Special
Needs