Why are Primary Caregiving and Continuity of Care so important for infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds?
Research such as Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood shows that young children thrive in an environment where they feel secure, close relationships. Childrens first relationships, especially with parents and primary caregivers, address two fundamental needs: 1. The presence of the primary caregiver reduces a childs fear of challenging situations and enables the child to explore with confidence and to manage stress. 2. Attachment relationships strengthen a young childs sense of confidence. Every child needs an intimate relationship with a primary caregiver over a long period of time. This is far more important to emotional and intellectual development than early cognitive training or educational games. If this relationship is absent or interrupted, a child can develop disorders of reasoning, motivation and attachment. ~ Dr. T. Berry Brazelton & Dr.
