Respectful Care of Infants

"Being available to infants and supporting them in their learning, but resisting the urge to intervene unnecessarily in their problem-solving efforts and mastery of their own physical development," is a guideline for respecting infants by Toni Christie in the Beginnings Workshop Curriculum Unit, "Infants" in the March 2012 issue of Exchange magazine.

"Infants are capable of solving their own problems and having opinions.  As the responsible adult, we can be tempted to rush in and 'save' the child when he or she looks challenged.  These are the moments we need to consider what it really means to be a teacher.  Being close by and supportive, but allowing an infant the space and time to learn for herself will prove more valuable than 'helping' her by intervening in her learning.  Support, rather than intervention, is a mark of respect for the child.  Adults generally try to do too much for children, and this can have a damaging affect on children's perception of themselves as confident and competent learners."

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