Abstract
Increasing numbers of infants and toddlers are entering out-of-home care and early education programs. Understanding the specific developmental needs of infants and toddlers as they experience the transition from familiar parental care to unfamiliar other care is central to a quality program. Focus is on typically developing infants and toddlers as well as those with special needs in early intervention . This chapter addresses the life-long nature of transitions , the importance of children’s attachment to parents and families, and their emotional reactions surrounding the resultant separation. There is emphasis on cultural and linguistic diversity as well as suggestions for providing a productive transition for both child and family. The chapter underlines the critical importance of relationship-based care in ensuring infant and toddler’s social–emotional and intellectual health. Anecdotal illustrations of good practice center the chapter on day-to-day life.
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Balaban, N. (2011). Transition to Group Care for Infants , Toddlers , and Families. In: Laverick, D., Renck Jalongo, M. (eds) Transitions to Early Care and Education. Educating the Young Child, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0573-9_2
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