How to build and support relationships within an early childhood program. In learning communities, there is one important that helps weave magic: Relationship. young children and their families, it is paramount connections and relationships.
For children, relationships are the foundation upon which everything grows. Their overall development - intellectual, social, emotional, physical, behavioral, and moral - is affected by the relationships they have with others in their lives.
When children are a part of working relationships, such as experiencing their parents in positive relationships with their teachers, it makes for richer experiences in their learning and forming positive attachments. A connection is made: "My trusted family trusts my teacher; they are part of my life together."
"Stated simply, relationships are the 'active ingredients' of the environment's influence on healthy human development…. Relationships engage children in the human community in ways that help them define who they are, what they can become, and how and why they are important to other people." - Young Children Develop in an Environment of Relationships, National Scientific Council on the Developing Child
You are welcome here
There are many things to consider when building relationships, one
being that all relationships benefit from the feeling of being welcomed.
To welcome others conveys a nurturing, respectful gesture and
invitation. Consider the following for welcoming children and families
into your program:
- Display a WELCOME sign and photographs of children and their families.
- Write an introduction letter about yourself.
- Develop environments that reflect connections from home and school, the children's interests, and work.
- Get to know each family - their culture, celebrations, and ideas regarding their child.
TIP: It's important to not only welcome families, but invite them to be part of the team. Create opportunities for families to introduce themselves to you, too. Invite families to bring in family photos, share information about themselves, their talents, and to be part of planning for their children's learning.
Foster interactions
Remember that it is in the ordinary moments that we can slow down, listen, talk, reflect, take turns, explore, share ideas, and get to know each other. When we foster and make time for interactions, we truly begin to form relationships with others. Allow plenty of time everyday for interactions that provide conversations and the exchanges we need to connect with both children and families.
The value of each
It is our responsibility as early educators to value the role that each relationship has in our work, and to value each person (parent, child, co-worker, and director) as competent and vital. It is in this sense we may want to think, "How might I want to be treated?" When we honor the role relationships play, we set the stage for success.
Remember your team!
An early childhood team may consist of many: children, families/parents, volunteers, specialists, and of course, staff. By making time for each person and recognizing their importance, we reveal the opportunity and dialogue for making connections not only to building relationships with each person, but also building relationships as a team.
TIP: Become a better listener (for both adults and children). Brush up on skills such as making eye contact, using others' names, restating what was said, and offering your full attention.
References
Foundation for Child Development. October 2009. How Do Families Matter? Understanding How Families Strengthen Their Children's Educational Achievement, Retrieved November 10, 2009.
National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, Young Children Develop in an Environment of Relationships. (2004). Working Paper No. 1. Retrieved November 10, 2009.
Rappaport, Debbie. May 29, 2007. Building Relationships: Parallels Between Infant-Toddler Development and the Public Policy Process, Zero To Three National Center for Infants, Toddler, and Families, Retrieved November 10, 2009.
Tips 12-3
