What makes the Emotional Beginning Program work?

Based on sound educational and psychological research

Research models developed by Liz Bates, T. Berry Brazelton, Robert Emde, Stanley Greenspan, Louis Sanders, Allan Sroufe, Edward Troinic and Lev Veygotskey serve as the theoretical frame work for the Emotional Beginnings Program .

Child focused

Emotional Beginnings (EB) is designed to involve the child as the teacher by focusing the childcare provider on the child’s needs and emotional communication. EB’s use of the “Caring Connection Plan” allows the children to teach, which validates and empowers the provider.

Utilizes the expertise of all of the partners in the process

• Child
• Childcare Provider
• Parent
• Program Supervisor/Administrators

Experiential

According to research, supervised practice and coaching are critical to the effective integration of new skills into a person’s behavioral repertoire. Setting up an opportunity for the childcare provider and child to interact with one another and offering technical support is an integral part of the EB Staff Development Model.

Has a positive effect on the emotional relationship

Development of a monthly “Caring Connection Plan” by each caregiver helps caregivers to increase emotional availability skills and build a positive relationship with each child. Emotional availability is being able to read, listen and respond appropriately to others’ emotional signals. Children who have emotionally available caregivers learn more and are more psychologically stable, they show more resiliency and ability to be independent and problem solve.

Is FUN!

Sharing positive experiences makes learning fun for childcare providers and children.

The EB Staff Development Package

The EB 4 Step Staff Development Format

The Emotional Beginnings Units

Role of the Child Care Provider in Emotional Beginnings

Emotional Beginnings starts with a basic understanding of the emotional needs and development of infants and toddlers and how caregivers can make more positive connections with the children.

Building Trust

By respecting each baby’s biorhythms, that include a predictable pattern of eating, sleeping, and states of awareness, caregivers can build a trusting relationship with each individual child.

Reading Cues

Understanding a child's ability to communicate through emotional signals is not always easy. The emotionally available caregiver is able to match cues to a child's feelings and needs and responds appropriately.

Respecting Differences

Learning about differences in temperament and the general development of each child is a critical component in being able to provide every child quality care.

Roadblocks

The day-to-day care of children is filled with joy and difficulties. Anger, teasing, shaming, fear, distrust etc. are roadblocks to learning. Negative emotions used sparingly can caution, teach and show respect.

Emotional Refueling

Emotional energy is something caregivers use all the time. Caregivers need to find ways to replenish this energy and take care of their own needs. Caregivers who take care of their needs are better able to meet the emotional needs of children.

Power of Shared Positive Emotions

Sharing fun and positive emotions are essential to relationship building and leads to feelings of closeness, confidence, trust and acceptance.

Floor Time

Based on a process developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan, caregivers learn the importance of providing individual playtime with each child and how scaffolding can extend and expand play.

Learning the Do's

Infants and toddlers want desperately to belong and to please, and they are learning the rules to fit in socially. Music, rhythm, rhyme and fun are powerful tools for helping young children learn the Do’s.

Interdependence

Understanding and respecting a child's need for both dependence and autonomy is critical in an emotionally responsive relationship. Developing feelings of interdependence with colleagues can enhance a caregiver's commitment to professionalism.

The EB Training of the Trainer

What To Expect At An EB TOT

• Certified How To Read Your Baby Trainer
• Innovative training strategies
• Practical applications
• Parallel processing
• Time to practice new skills with coaching
• Hands on experience using the EB Program
• The opportunity to strengthen you knowledge of emotional availability
• Follow up consultation