Continuity of Care

This means that children and families can expect to see the same faces at the same time day after day, year after year. Children need routine; parents want consistency; both want to know what to expect. Consistency of caregivers helps children develop a sense of trust. Children who know who will greet them each day will have less anxiety and stress about coming to child care. Some families choose family child care providers precisely because they like knowing that the same person will be caring for their child each day and perhaps for most or all of their early childhood. As a family child care provider, make sure you have a back-up plan in case you have an emergency and must have someone relieve you. Make sure parents know what this plan is and who will be with their child in your absence. In centers, try to make permanent room changes for teachers and children as infrequently as possible. Establish a transition plan when changes are made. Try to reduce the turnover rate among teachers at your center and ensure that teachers are willing to make a minimum commitment to working at your center. For more information see the “Professionalism of Staff” below.