How is caregiver stress reduced and dealt with in the child care setting?
• Ongoing training is provided on new skills and knowledge needed to work with children (Example: training on asthma control when a child with asthma joins the program). • Breaks are taken from caregiving and other duties during the day. • A staff lounge, separate from the child care area, is available. • Communication is encouraged and supported among the caregivers, administration, and the parents. The workplace culture promotes positive solutions and discourages criticism and blame. • Training is provided on stress management techniques. • Dependable substitutes are available so that caregivers can stay home when sick or take needed vacation without “feeling guilty” or being afraid that they will receive negative feedback from their supervisor. • A fair salary and basic benefits help to reduce caregiver stress. All caregivers should receive: • Wages that fairly pay for skills, knowledge and responsibilities and that are competitive with similar requirements in other jobs. • Affordab
