How We Can Help

[Elizabeth Watkins]

Caregivers have the unique opportunity to encourage brain development in young children. Young children learn through experience, exploration, and discovery, and these are the very things caregivers are able to facilitate well. Most importantly, a caregiver must watch the child closely, observing and learning to understand where he is at in his developmental stages. When a caregiver understand this, he is able to create the proper environment, step one to aiding a child’s brain development. As children learn through interaction, it is crucial for their environment to be safe, fun, and appropriately suited to their needs and interests. Caregivers should make sure there are plenty of age appropriate toys, activities, and structures for the children to explore. Step two of aiding in brain development is for a caregiver to directly interact with the child. Not only must a child experience things to learn, he must have experiences with people in order for his brain to develop socially and emotionally.

[Gale Coleman]

The most important relationships begin in the family, and the quality of these interactions are critical to a child’s development. In the first few months of life, early childhood programs can play a key role in supporting healthy relationships between very young children and their parents, and when early childhood programs take a family centered approach and incorporate family support strategies, there are positive outcomes for both children and parents, so in partnership with parents and caregivers it is important in forming a positive relationship between the caregiver and the child.