Critical Competencies for Infant-Toddler Educators™ Online Module SE-2: Providing Consistent and Responsive Caregiving

Infant-toddler educators who are consistently sensitive to children’s bids for attention and who respond to children in ways that meet their emotional, intellectual, and physical needs are teaching children to trust that when they need help they can count on others to respond. Educators who notice when children are struggling, need assistance, or want to be comforted can provide a secure base from which infants and toddlers can explore the world around them. Young children with responsive caregivers develop confidence and seek out novel experiences because they trust that the adults in their world will be there to support their exploration while ensuring their health and safety. Teachers who are consistent help infants and toddlers learn to regulate their emotions. Children can anticipate caregiver responses and the general schedule of routine events throughout the day when educators offer predictable responses and routines.