TA Tip: Continuity

of Care

Mixed-age care can be challenging at times but focusing on the relationships it fosters may help to be a reminder of all of the benefits. Mixed-age care allows the same teachers or Family Child Care providers to care for a group of children of all ages for multiple years.  

This Continuity of Care (COC) helps to establish trusting relationships between the children and their caregiver as well as with other children in the group. This is particularly important for infants and toddlers who benefit from a sense of security and attachment to their caregivers.

Over time, the children and caregivers develop a bond, creating a family-like atmosphere within the group. Families also benefit from these strong and long-lasting relationships with the caregiver, as they can build on the parent-teacher connection and bond with the caregiver over time.

The COC model also allows teachers to have a better understanding of each child's individual strengths and weaknesses, making it easier for them to tailor lesson plans to meet each child's needs.

The Many Benefits of Continuity of Care for Infants, Toddlers, Families, and Caregiving Staff

Continuity of Care (COC) is based largely on attachment research that recognizes that infants and toddlers thrive in secure relationships with a small number of key adults. Click on the link below for more information on the many benefits of COC in mixed-age care programs.