Cultivating Positive Relationships
Greet each child personally and warmly every day. Be a calming presence.
Employ positive non-verbal cues.
Listen attentively when children speak and practice responsive care.
Get down to their eye level to foster connection.
Show genuine interest in children’s activities and emotions.
Creating a Respectful Environment
Respect children’s feelings, individuality, and family cultures.
Use language that demonstrates care and encourages emotional expression.
Help children learn to name and navigate their emotions.
Offer positive reinforcement by describing and modeling appropriate behaviors.
Support children in managing disagreements through guided problem-solving and conflict resolution.
Creating the Space
Provide age-appropriate, engaging materials that promote creativity, exploration, and play.
Ensure there are enough materials for all children to minimize conflicts.
Organize the environment so children can easily find and return items.
Limit transitions during the day and offer clear warnings before transitions to support predictability.
Use visual schedules, first/then boards, and social stories to help children feel secure and understand routines.
Encouraging Positive Behaviors
Teach behavioral expectations directly and practice routines together.
Use strategies such as redirection, diversion, or distraction to guide children toward positive activities.
Provide choices and alternatives to empower children in decision-making.
Model language that supports collaboration, problem-solving, and mutual respect.
Emotional Support
Provide individualized interventions to support children’s unique social-emotional needs.
Collaborate with Early Childhood Mental Health consultants when needed to assess and enhance the childcare environment.
Recognize and accommodate different temperaments, allowing extra time and preparation for transitions when necessary.