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Caring for Whole Families: Relationships between Providers and Families during Infancy and Toddlerhood

Authors :
Kyle DeMeo Cook
Eleanor Fisk
Caitlin McPherran Lombardi
Kevin Ferreira van Leer
Source :
Early Childhood Education Journal. 2024 52(5):921-933.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Caring relationships among families and providers are at the heart of high-quality early care and education (ECE). This study examines relationships between parents and providers in a nationally representative sample of infants and toddlers and their families (N = 527) enrolled in the two-generation Early Head Start (EHS) program in the U.S. EHS' primary services include home visiting and center-based early education, taking a whole family approach to provide comprehensive services within caring and trusting relationships. Using weighted lagged regression models, we found that parent and provider reports of their positive relationships with one another at age 2 years were related to some child and family outcomes at the end of their EHS experience at age 3 years. Providers who reported better relationships with parents rated children as having lower behavior problems and enhanced social competence, language comprehension, language production, and home environments. Parents who reported better relationships with providers also reported lower parenting stress and family conflict. Findings suggest that caring relationships between providers and parents are a key part of high-quality ECE within an environment dedicated to an ethic of care not just for children, but for the whole family.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1082-3301 and 1573-1707
Volume :
52
Issue :
5
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Early Childhood Education Journal
Notes :
https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR36074.v1
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1423950
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Information Analyses
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-023-01491-x