Continuity of Care

This means that children and families can expect to see the same faces at the same time day after day, year after year.

• Children need routine; parents want consistency; both want to know what to expect.
• Consistency of caregivers helps children develop a sense of trust.
• Children who know who will greet them each day will have less anxiety and stress about coming to child care.

Some families choose family child care providers precisely because they like knowing that the same person will be caring for their child each day and perhaps for most or all of their early childhood.  Family child care providers  should have a back-up plan in case there is an emergency and they must have someone relieve them. They should make sure families know what this plan is and who will be with their child in their absence.

 In centers, permanent room changes for teachers and children should be made as infrequently as possible and a transition plan should be established  when changes are made.  For more information see the “Professional Staff” page.