Pregnancy/Baby
Building a Parent/Caregiver Partnership
By Katy O'Neal Arrowood, Owner/Director of Champions for Children Child Development Center
June/July 2002

One of the most important relationships that will benefit both you and your child is the relationship with your child's caregiver. A good relationship with your infant's caregiver will not only give you peace of mind, it will facilitate the beginnings of a good educational foundation for your baby. The more you communicate with the caregiver, the better you both can provide for your baby's needs.

The first step in building this critical relationship is to find a quality childcare program. Make time to visit the program more than once, and take time to observe during different times of the day. A good program for infants will offer the following:

 •  A caregiver to infant ratio of no more than 1 to 4.
 •  Use of the primary caregiver model, meaning that each infant is placed with a specific caregiver to provide routine care. This allows the infant to form a bond with a primary caregiver, and also allows each caregiver to get to know a small group of infants well.
 •  Lots of eye contact and conversation is observed with all babies during the course of the day. Close attention is evident during routines such as diaper changes and feedings.
 •  The babies are offered a variety of activities in different places throughout the classroom. Floor activities, bouncy seats, exercisers, and their own crib.
 •  Language development is encouraged through the use of songs, open-ended questions, and reading on a daily basis.
 •  The caregiver follows the schedule that is most homelike for the infant, following the parent's lead, and communicating when an adjustment may deem necessary.
 •  Breastfeeding is welcomed.
 •  Good health and safety standards are evident, such as handwashing with soap before and after all contacts.
 •  Parents are always welcome in the center and are encouraged visit.

Be sure that you have selected a center that you feel comfortable with and are secure in their commitment to child development. You should start out feeling good about the center, otherwise you would not have registered your child. Parents who have the best experience with childcare begin by looking at the positive encounters that will take place.

If possible, plan a transition time, beginning with part time hours so that your baby (and mom and dad) can adjust to the new surroundings. Spend a few moments at drop-off so that you feel comfortable when it is time to go. The center will provide you with a daily sheet to inform you of diaper changes, times and amounts of feedings, and nap times. Since your infant can't tell you with words about her day, ask your primary caregiver the following questions to get a better insight into your infant's day:
 •  What was her favorite part of the day?
 •  What made him laugh/smile today?
 •  Does she have a favorite toy?
 •  What did you enjoy about my child today?

Remember to occasionally let your primary caregiver know how much you appreciate her. A card, homemade goodies, or a simple "thank you" lets her know you recognize the impact she has on your child's life.

As a parent of a young child, there will be times when you will have a concern that needs to be addressed by the center. If the concern is due to a stressful situation at home or within the family, let the primary caregiver know so that she may provide extra comfort and understanding for your child's stress. If the concern is with an aspect of your infant's day at the center, address the primary caregiver and/or the lead teacher for the classroom. If you feel the concern has not been properly addressed, arrange a conference with the director. A good director will be readily available, and will address each concern in a timely fashion. Approach each situation with an "I know we can work this out" attitude. If the concern is not handled to your satisfaction, you may need to consider if this is the right center for your family.

Ultimately, excellent childcare is a two-way street. It is essential to find a high quality center that practices age appropriate activities; offers a well-trained staff with low turnover; and is led by an enthusiastic administration, always putting children first. On the other side must be a parent who is willing to work with the center in order to make childcare a positive experience for her child. You will be the best advocate for your child if you approach all situations in a polite, professional way. Beginning in infancy, always stand up for what is best for your child, for you know him/her better than anyone; but also be prepared to learn from each situation. Most parents encourage their child to get along well with others. To achieve this you must model cooperation with others to your child, beginning in his infancy.

Katy Arrowood is the mother of Molly Kate, 4, and Keith, 10. Husband Ben is a nurse at ARMC's Special Care Nursery. She is Owner/Director of Champions for Children Child Development Center with a BSFCS in child and family development from UGA, and has written a book, A Woman's Recipe For Life.

Other articles by Katy Arrowwood:

• Five Things Every Child Needs Daily, Holiday 2003
• A Child's Top Ten Play List, April/May 2001