Page 10 - LESSION 10.pmd

Care of Children in Early Years

balance. From the time babies are born, they like a predictable world and everyday
rhythms and cycles of caregiving provide the comfort of expectation and
gratification. For young children, every day is packed with learning and
Notes
excitement, and routines provide relief from the chaos.

INTEXT QUESTION 10.3

Fill in the blanks.

1. Cognitive stimulation is dependent on early ……..and …….relationships.
2. Routines give children a sense of …..and control over their………….

3. Sensory play encourages ………., …………..,…………….and………..

4. Interest and ............are important for exploration and learning.

5. Young children need a schedule that is responsive to their needs, including
appropriate ……….and time to ………..

10.5 TYPES OF CARE SETTINGS: FAMILIAL AND NON–
FAMILIAL

Care of babies and infants largely takes place in the home. However, there can
be many factors such as working parents, single parents or children in institutions
that prompt a need for some children to grow up out of family care by non-
familial adults. It becomes imperative to train these adults for the care of babies
especially in the significance of reaching each child. Childcare can be divided
into 'centre-based care' and 'home-based care'. Childcare homes generally care
for a smaller number of children in the provider’s home, while centres serve a
larger group in a non-home setting. There is distinction in care by relatives such
as aunts, uncles, cousins and non-relatives. The category of non-relative caregiver
includes babysitters who are in the home, neighbours, friends etc. providing
care in either the child’s or the provider’s home. The category of organized
childcare includes crèches, day care centres, preschools, childcare centres, nursery
schools, kindergarten and pre-primary schools. Sometimes, employers also
provide day care for childcare at or near works sites to children of their employees.

10.6 CAREGIVERS (PARENTS AND TEACHERS) AND
CHILDREN

Parents, teachers and children is a dynamic triad, and this threesome have to be
in close communication. Parents and teachers need to work as a team keeping
the interests of children in focus. Both parents and teachers have the role of
creating a nurturing environment ensuring that children are healthy and safe.

10 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION