Some of you may be wondering what primary caregiving is after hearing this term used on tours and visits at Margaret Ives CCC. When children start here  they are assigned an educator to be their primary caregiver. This means that person will be your point of contact for transition visits, getting to know your child and family. They will be involved in most of your child’s care routines and will spend time forming a positive relationship, with the aim of developing a secure attachment. They will also be the main person who documents your child’s learning in their folder and will discuss their learning strengths, interests and needs in group critical reflection sessions. Although your child will be officially part of this educators group, at times other educators will be involved in caring for your child. 

The team of educators in your child’s room will support your child by forming secondary attachments. Sometimes, children form close bonds with several educators and sometimes they feel more comfortable being close to their primary caregiver for many months before they feel comfortable with others- this is all normal. We strive to provide a consistent roster at all times possible including when requiring casual relief staff and when educators are away for long periods of time. Secondary attachments help children greatly in these situations to feel comfortable when their primary caregiver is not available and when new faces enter the room.

For more information, please read the attached reflection from Toni Christie, director of the Childspace Early Childhood Institute, New Zealand

https://thepiklercollection.weebly.com/uploads/9/4/5/3/9453622/toni_respectful_care.pdf

Hayley Sidelik

Educational Leader MICCC

Kaurna Yerta