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Caring for the caregiver: Early Head Start/family child care partnerships
Author(s) -
Buell Martha J.,
Pfister Ilka,
GamelMcCormick Michael
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/imhj.10013
Subject(s) - early head start , general partnership , head start , toddler , infant mental health , nursing , mental health , psychology , early childhood education , child care , perception , quality (philosophy) , medicine , developmental psychology , business , psychiatry , philosophy , finance , epistemology , neuroscience
Abstract This study explores the results of partnering with an Early Head Start program for four family child care providers. Providers reported on their perceptions of caregiving, the types of support they found useful from the program, and ways the Early Head Start program could better serve the community. Results indicate that providers feel that they benefited from their partnership with the Early Head Start program in both emotional and instrumental ways, that through the partnership they were able to enhance both the quality of their program and increase their sense of support and professionalism. These results are discussed in terms of supporting infant and toddler development by supporting providers. Policy recommendations are also given. ©2002 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.