October 2024

Here's "The Scoop!"

TA Tip: Embracing New Beginnings

Fall is a wonderful season for educators, as it brings new opportunities and a fresh group of young learners to guide and nurture.



Infants and toddlers flourish when they form strong bonds with their caregivers, as these connections provide the security, love, and support essential for their development. When our youngest learners feel safe and trusted, they are more likely to embrace new learning experiences, allowing their natural curiosity and sense of wonder to thrive.

As a teacher, building a strong connection with each child starts by getting to know them individually. A great way to begin is by talking to their parents or caregivers and asking about their routines, likes and dislikes, or special items that help them feel safe and comfortable. Give yourself and your little ones the chance to get to know each other naturally, finding those special moments to connect. Before long, these bonds will grow, and your classroom will become a warm, welcoming space where everyone feels cared for and supported.

This TA Tip was graciously shared by Lindsey Parisi,

Lead Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator.

Child Care Aware of NH is here to assist you! To learn more about how we can support your Preschool Practices, please refer to our Services and Supports Guide.

Resources for Providers

Infants and toddlers thrive in nurturing relationships with responsive caregivers, feeling safe, loved, and valued. These strong bonds teach children whom to trust and rely on for support. Secure relationships provide a foundation for young children to confidently explore their world, knowing they have a safe base to return to for comfort. Research shows that children who experience these secure connections are happier, more social, less anxious, and better learners compared to those who lack such bonds.

Supporting these relationships is key to fostering emotional and social development in young children.

Read more from "Day to Day the Relationship Way: Creating Responsive Programs for Infants and Toddlers.

As you support relationships between children and their families and nurture strong relationships with the children in your care, it is important to recognize that other relationships influence the lives of infants and toddlers.

Resources for Families

Children’s first and most important teachers are the family members who keep them safe and nurture their development. When a child enters an early learning program, the partnership between families and educators ensures that the experience is comforting and successful for all. In high-quality programs, leaders and teachers strive for respectful, reciprocal communication with families. They communicate clearly and regularly with families; they also seek information from families in various ways.  

Here are some ways you can communicate with your child’s teacher or program leader to create and maintain a great relationship.

Child Care Aware of NH is a statewide Child Care Resource and Referral Program of Community Action Partnership Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties. The preparation of this document was financed under a Contract with the State of New Hampshire, Department of Health and Human Services, with funds provided in part by the State of New Hampshire and/or such other funding sources as were available or required, e.g., the United States Department of Health and Human Services.