Attachment Theory and Primary Caregiving

Abstract

OFFERING INTENSIVE PARENT SUPPORT programs within an early childhood setting recognises that early childhood educators are uniquely placed to form highly supportive and ongoing relationships with children and their families as part of their everyday work. This feature of early childhood programs can be utilised to include educators as partners in interventions with families where there are disruptions to the parent-child attachment relationship. The Through the Looking Glass project has been operating in early childhood settings since 2005 with positive outcomes for both families and children. The project is located in an early childhood setting in which a primary caregiving system is established so that each child is allocated an educator as their primary caregiver, who takes the key role and interest in the child's day-to-day experience thereby becoming the ‘secure base’ for the child within the centre. Under this model attachment theory is the underlying theoretical framework utilising the Circle of Security model. All educators participate in ongoing professional learning to support them to be emotionally available to children. When primary caregiving practices are ingrained in policy and practices through a centre, all children and families benefit.