Trust, identified by Erikson as the first major developmental task of early childhood, is established in children's first relationship with their caregivers, parents and teachers. Trust is the first condition for effective learning. It promotes a sense of well-being and emotional security in young children, creating a solid foundation for future learning from the diverse experiences of childhood. Without the support of early trust relationships with caring adults, children are ill-equipped to take the kinds of risk essential to the learning process.

Building Trust

Our teachers' primary goal is to establish a relationship with children in their care based upon trust. Trust develops when children come to anticipate positive experiences in the child care settings. If trust is to develop, children need sensitive and perceptive caregivers that understand children's needs and consistently offer tender, responsive care. This may be most evident in the infant room, where tender holding for feedings and prompt responsiveness to an infant's cries of distress are essential. However, it is equally important that the toddlers' and preschoolers' teachers be nurturing people who gently reassure crying toddlers or listen attentively and respectfully to preschool children, responding to questions and requests with care. Responsive interactions with caring teachers reassure the children that they can rely upon their caretakers and nurtures the child's feelings of self-worth.

Interacting with Children

At the Little Children Schoolhouse, we understand the most effective teachers are those who cherish and take great pleasure in children, or as Alice Honing so eloquently portrayed them, those who "glow with admiration and joy". Teachers are the cornerstone of our program upon which interactions reflecting sincere commitment to and respect for children above all are based. Our teachers are energetic and enthusiastic about their work with young children. Teacher/child interactions are frequent, affectionate and punctuated with warm smiles and gentle hugs. Our caring teachers share in the childrens' daily discoveries and laughter.

The power of this basic relationship between young children and their teachers cannot be underestimated. We are committed to the belief that the best way to provide each child with the highest quality care is through caring and responsive interaction.