32.2.4: Routines and Curriculum

Last updated
Save as PDF

Page ID: 142692

Amanda Taintor

\( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}} } \) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash {#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\)

The Importance of Routines

Caregiving routines (arrival and departure, feeding, meals and snacks, diapering and toileting, dressing, and napping) provide a framework for the infant and toddler day. A significant amount of individualization for curriculum occurs during routine care. Routines offer caregivers many opportunities to observe and understand each child's ways and preferences and support development. During routine care, infants and toddlers enjoy adults' undivided attention as the focus is on meeting children's needs and getting to know them. By taking advantage of these opportunities to build relationships with each infant and toddler, caregivers promote attachment and trust with the infants or toddlers in their care. These developmental milestones for trust and relationships are critical for children's sense of security and willingness to explore people and objects in their environment: a high level of trust is necessary for infants and toddlers to fully engage in the offered curriculum.[1]

[1] Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families , ECLKC Early Head TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PAPER NO. 16 INDIVIDUALIZING CARE FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS – PART 1. Is in the public domain