Photo credit: hechingerreport.org
The Importance of Responsive Care in Early Childhood Education
Reflecting on the insights of Jackie Mader regarding the critical role of engaging and warm interactions between caregivers and young children rekindled my memories of that unsettling moment when you have to leave your infant with someone unfamiliar. The stress dissolves, however, upon seeing a seasoned, nurturing educator step in.
Mader’s article highlights an encouraging trend across diverse regions—both liberal and conservative—as they allocate funds to train teachers and assess their interactions with young learners. Bridget Hamre, a research associate professor at the University of Virginia, points out that factors like teacher education are meaningful only if they enhance the quality of interactions with children.
This discussion, coupled with a recent documentary I viewed at the SXSW EDU conference about exemplary child care programs, has instilled a renewed sense of hope regarding the future of child care in the United States. The documentary “Make a Circle,” showcases well-trained child care professionals in the California Bay Area who strive to reshape public perception about their field. Scheduled for a PBS release this fall, the film is also being screened at various festivals and events nationwide.
The documentary effectively portrays the vital activities of early educators as they engage with children, teaching them letters, colors, and sounds, while also taking them on nature walks. While these actions may seem basic, similar to the nurturing interactions Mader describes, they hold the potential to significantly impact children’s development and well-being. Unfortunately, high-quality child care remains largely inaccessible and unaffordable for many families.
However, the filmmakers, Todd Boekelheide and Jen Bradwell, were fortunate in this regard. They were acquainted with several preschool teachers featured in the film, as their own children attended one of the portrayed facilities. Bradwell affectionately describes the documentary as “a love letter to early educators and a rallying cry for a child care system in crisis.”
The urgency for a supportive environment in child care systems is highlighted by Isabelle Hau in her recent publication, “Love to Learn.” This book delves into the significance of fostering meaningful relationships in early childhood care—a theme I will explore during a discussion at the upcoming ASU+GSV conference in San Diego. Hau eloquently states, “Close, nurturing relationships in the early years are like the foundation of a house. If the foundation is not solid, the house may shake apart later in strong winds.”
Both Bradwell and Hau recently contributed to discussions at an event in Austin, Texas, celebrating Hau’s findings in her book. This gathering attracted individuals dedicated to enhancing educational practices for young children and supporting teacher training amid challenges facing the early childhood sector. The Hechinger Report is actively documenting alterations in funding and research amidst the shifts seen during the Trump administration. We maintain an updated tracker to monitor developments in this area and invite reader engagement on the topic.
This article about the importance of responsive teachers is produced by The Hechinger Report, an independent nonprofit news outlet focused on educational inequality and innovation. Subscribe to the Hechinger newsletter for insights on education.
Source
hechingerreport.org