Primary Caregiving

What is primary caregiving? It’s a system that ensures our classrooms meet each child’s unique needs, that each child is properly supervised, and that each child’s developmental needs and abilities are communicated accurately to families. Most importantly, a primary caregiver system also leads to greater levels of attachment, which is critical to a child’s growth and development.

So, how does it work? First, every child in an infant, toddler, or twos classroom is assigned a Primary Caregiver. It is that Primary Caregiver’s responsibility to help ensure a smooth transition into the classroom and to create a relationship with both you and your child.

As your child grows within the classroom, the Primary Caregiver continues to strengthen the relationship by meeting the child’s overall needs. They’ll learn your child’s cues, temperament, personality, as well as their likes and dislikes, to not only address, but anticipate, their basic needs, as well as to ensure their social and emotional well-being. The primary caregiver will be attuned to the whole child, able to act promptly and appropriately to each individual and unique need. This foundation enables your child to feel loved and cared for at school.

Are there other teachers in the classroom? Yes, even though your child has a Primary Caregiver, all the teachers in the room will work together for the children’s overall well-being. Every teacher forms strong relationships and works with all the children in the classroom.

The Primary Caregiver remains the point person for your child in their care group. Your child’s Primary Caregiver will get to know your child a little more intimately, get to know their needs a little more specifically, and focus on their emotions a little more sensitively.