Developmental Psychology and Key Person
CYPOP1-3.1 – Explain the benefits of the key worker, person system in early years settings
Babies and young children’s development is closely tied to the quality of the relationships that they have with others and especially the key person within their early years settings. Usually babies and toddlers do no like to be separated from their parents or primary carer, and therefore it is important that babies and young children are supported by a key person in their setting who will act as a temporary substitute for the care, love and attention that is usually provided by the parent. When the key person system works well within a setting, both parents and children are able to feel comfortable and relaxed during their time apart.
The role of the key person is to help both the parent and the child and carries out the following:- 1. Provides stability and consistency for the baby or toddler. 2. Liases with the parents/primary carers. 3. Supports the parents/primary carers. 4. Carries out physical care activities such as feeding and nappy changing. 5. Helps the baby/child to sleep and to be there when the baby/child awakes. 6. Interacts with the baby. 7. Provides cuddles and physical reassurance. 8. Comforts the baby/child when parent leaves.
Its particularly important that parents visit the setting before their baby/child starts and enable the key person to gradually get to know them and play with the child, in order that a relationship is built up before parents leave them in the setting on their own.
Where settling in is rushed, or parents leave abruptly, children are more likely to show separation anxiety behaviours. These include distress, crying and anger. Although these can subside after a few days, children who are still not settled in can show a different set of behaviours which are akin to depression, including withdrawal, apathy, or total compliance and be under significant stress.
As above, it is important to be
Babies and young children’s development is closely tied to the quality of the relationships that they have with others and especially the key person within their early years settings. Usually babies and toddlers do no like to be separated from their parents or primary carer, and therefore it is important that babies and young children are supported by a key person in their setting who will act as a temporary substitute for the care, love and attention that is usually provided by the parent. When the key person system works well within a setting, both parents and children are able to feel comfortable and relaxed during their time apart.
The role of the key person is to help both the parent and the child and carries out the following:- 1. Provides stability and consistency for the baby or toddler. 2. Liases with the parents/primary carers. 3. Supports the parents/primary carers. 4. Carries out physical care activities such as feeding and nappy changing. 5. Helps the baby/child to sleep and to be there when the baby/child awakes. 6. Interacts with the baby. 7. Provides cuddles and physical reassurance. 8. Comforts the baby/child when parent leaves.
Its particularly important that parents visit the setting before their baby/child starts and enable the key person to gradually get to know them and play with the child, in order that a relationship is built up before parents leave them in the setting on their own.
Where settling in is rushed, or parents leave abruptly, children are more likely to show separation anxiety behaviours. These include distress, crying and anger. Although these can subside after a few days, children who are still not settled in can show a different set of behaviours which are akin to depression, including withdrawal, apathy, or total compliance and be under significant stress.
As above, it is important to be