Early Childhood Development: Nurturing Care

Importance of Nurturing and Responsive Care Providers

• Being a responsive and nurturing care provider is critical for both family members and early educators.
• This means being fully engaged with the child in the moment, without distractions like cell phones.

Engaging in Authentic Conversations

• Have authentic conversations with children, even as young as 2-3 years old, by listening to them and responding.
• Pay attention to nonverbal behavior as well as what the child is saying.
• Encourage the child to share more and provide feedback.

Making Connections with Children

• Make connections with children during short moments, like when waiting for the bus or during a walk.
• Show interest in the child's daily life and experiences, even in casual conversations.
• Be present and attentive during these moments to build relationships.

Developing Relationships

• Develop relationships with children by making small connections, like greeting them in the morning or noticing new clothing.
• Show children that they are missed when they're absent and express joy when they return.
• These small connections can make a significant impact on a child's development and well-being.