Primary Caregiving Essay

Care and education are intertwined throughout Te Whāriki (Ministry of Education [MoE], 1996). This essay will investigate the concept of primary caregiving in relation to care and education of infants. It would critically examine the influence of historical and contemporary discourses, theoretical perspectives, quality provisions, Pickler approach and RIE philosophy and my professional philosophy of teaching and learning, to attain an in depth understanding of working with infants, children aged birth to eighteen months.
The concept of primary caregiving was introduced in Aotearoa in the year 1903 by Mother Aubert and her Sisters of Compassion at their Home of Compassion Crèche in Wellington (Crèches and childcare, n.d.). The concept did not

The approach acknowledges the brain development occurs at a great pace during infancy, and a child’s earliest experiences have life long implications (Duchesne, 2010; Sims & Hutchins 2011). Furthermore, the approach acknowledges the attachment theory, and lays significance on ‘secure attachment’ in the life of an infant that helps him to learn and form and maintain caring relationships throughout his life (Sims & Hutchins, 2011; Cortazar & Herreros, 2010; McCaleb & Mikaere-Wallis, 2005; Bary, 2010), therefore, the approach advocates for ‘primary caregiving’. Primary caregiving means that the educator builds a respectful, close and trusting relationships with a small group of children and their parents (Christie, 2011; Petrie & Owen, 2005). Thus, forms partnerships with children and their families (Lloyd, 2011). In order to form a “secure base” for the child (Dalli et al., 2009, p. 41), the primary caregiver takes full responsibility for the caring routine of the child, the primary caregiver slows down, takes support from her team to have some uninterrupted time with the child, observes the child, understand the body language of the child , responds to the child and explains the child what they are doing and why, furthermore, waits for the response of the child; and encourages the child to take lead in his own learning . Thus contributes to developing self-esteem in the child (Pawl,

Te Whāriki (MoE, 1996), also advocates for primary caregiving as it states, “infants must experience physical and emotional security with at least one other person within each setting” (p. 22).
My philosophy is based on the Māori belief, “Ko te Tamaiti te Pūtake o te Kaupapa. The Child- the Heart of the Matter”(ERO, 2011). I believe that aroha, honesty, respect, patience, and trust are the cornerstones of every robust relationship. My belief is supported by the RIE approach of child care and education (Christie, 2011; Hammond, 2009). My professional practice is based on respectful and responsive relationships between adults and children through effective interpersonal communication (Petrie, 1997; Bolton,1996 ; Devito, 1997; Miller, 2007; Whalley, 2005; New Zealand Teachers Council, 2004)