Relationships among caregivers and children
* continuity of care ensures every infant is able to form a relationship with a primary caregiver
* adults engage in many one-to-one interactions with infants
* all interactions are characterised by gentle, supportive responses.
Environment and experiences
* walls and floors are easy to clean
* auditory environment is not over-stimulating or distracting
* space is arranged so children can enjoy moments of quiet play by themselves.
Health and safety
* adults follow health and safety procedures
* health records on each infant are filed confidentially
* adults are aware of the symptoms of common illnesses.
Reciprocal relationships with families
* caregivers work in partnership with parents
* caregivers help parents feel good about their children and their own parenting
Policies
* staff have had training specific to infant development and care-giving
* group size and ratio of adults to infants is limited, to allow for one-to-one interaction, intimate knowledge of individual babies, and consistent care giving.
Toddlers
Relationships among caregivers and children
* an adult initiating a conversation with a toddler gives the child ample time to respond
* caregivers ask parents what sounds and words their toddler uses
* adults recognise that children constantly test limits, and expressing opposition (No!) to adults is one way in which a child develops a healthy sense of self as a separate, autonomous individual.
Living and learning with toddlers
* time schedules are flexible and smooth, dictated more by children's needs than by adults
* adults engage in reciprocal play with toddlers, modelling for children how to play imaginatively
* adults respect toddlers' solitary and parallel play.
Environment
* caregivers organise the space into interest areas or activity areas
* the environment contains private spaces with room for no more than two children, which are easily supervised by adults
* children have many opportunities for active, large-muscle play both indoors and outdoors.
Health and safety
* nappy-changing areas are routinely disinfected after each change
* there are clearly written sanitation procedures specific to each area
* caregivers directly supervise toddlers by sight and sound, even when they are sleeping.
Reciprocal relationships with families
* caregivers listen carefully to what parents say about their children, seek to understand parents' goals and preferences, and are respectful of cultural and family differences
* caregivers communicate that they view parents as the child's primary source of affection and care.
Policies
* staff have training in child development/early education specific to the toddler age group
* the group size and ratio of adults to children are limited to allow for the intimate, interpersonal atmosphere and high level of supervision that toddlers require.
