KS1f: The importance of secure, responsive relationships and consistency of caregivers to young children's learning and healthy development, including the importance of attachment as a primary marker of healthy development of infants and toddlers
Evidence 1: Infant and Toddler Development, PSY 2020, Community College of Vermont, Summer 2003, Transcript
Description: This course provided a study of development from conception through age two. Cognitive, social, emotional, and physical aspects of development were studied. Developmental theories and their practical application were studied.
Analysis: While studying different theorists, we learned about John Bowlby. Bowlby applied the ethological theory to the understanding of the infant-caregiver relationship, and argued that babies' attachment behaviors such as smiling and crying are built-in social signals that encourage caregivers to provide for the needs of infants. These behaviors help ensure that the baby will be fed, protected from danger and provided stimulation and affection which are necessary for healthy growth and development.
Evidence 2: Family Process, FCD 310, Southern Virginia University, Fall 2008, Transcript
Description: This course was a study of marital and family processes - such as generations, emotions, communication, conflict, sexual intimacy, and rituals - as families develop across major life transitions such as marriage, parenting, divorce, and remarriage. Attention is given to the development of healthy family processes.
Analysis: During the transition to parenthood, familial tasks need to be renegotiated to include a new infant. As parents determine boundaries, identity, household management roles and the emotional climate, a new child begins developing within a complex system of relationships that is affected by the environment.
Evidence 3: Social Emotional Discussion, In-Service Training, January 19, 2008, Professional Development Certificate
Description: Discussion of children's social-emotional development and how to support attachment in infants and toddlers, and how that attachment leads to increased independence. Also discussed, how and when to foster bonding versus creating community, self-soothing versus need for caregiver, and how to follow the child's cues while still being sensitive to parent's wishes.
Analysis: One of the topics discussed during this training was how caregivers can best support infants and toddlers in building attachments. The development of attachment is a lengthy process that involves changes in psychological structures that lead infants to form a deep emotional tie with a caregiver. If staff are consistently absent or shifting throughout the childcare facility, infants are unable to form secure attachments and to feel safe in their environment.
