Providing Appropriate care for children

ASSESMENT 1

A. The importance of parenting and caring

When families leave their children in the centre, we need to assure them that we will take care of their children to the highest degree. While we emphasize the work we do on our end, we also ask the parents to play a more proactive role in the lives of their children. We need to tell them that the most important relationship of their child is with them. Our work would include telling the parents, of the importance of this initial relationship, and that they should not miss out on any opportunity to be with their child.

B. Welcoming atmosphere for all family members

In order to create a welcoming atmosphere for families, what we need to do foremost, is to concentrate on the environment around. The place where families will be welcomed should be tidy and clutter free. No family will be impressed if they see a mess of paperwork or likewise in the welcoming area. Second, there need to be familiar objects for the child. Clean toys that have been sanitised will help the child feel comfortable, and provide a distraction.

The staff needs to be polite and should smile and if possible, offer some refreshments to the parents. If there are more children, the staff should ask the parents if they would like something else, e.g. toys, chairs etc. Should a need arise, the parents should be guided to the changing room for children, and all appropriate steps will be taken for comfort and care of the parent and the child. Parents should also be given a general tour of the care centre, and should they request any information, it should be made available to them.

C. Separation process from the child in care

When the time finally comes, when the parents will leave the child, the staff needs to be on full alert. When the child initially comes with the parents, the staff should encourage the child to play with other children. Parents will be advised to say quick and brief goodbyes, and will be encouraged to leave as soon as possible because if they stay around, the child will cry longer and will not integrate into the activity. The staff will also need to constantly re-assure the parents that their child will be safe and will eventually stop crying.

D. Promoting the value of participation by family members in the service

The participation and feedback by the parents is an essential process that has to be encouraged. The parents will at times feel overprotective of the child. The staff needs to listen attentively to any concern the parents might have. Secondly, if the parents have a complaint and they insist that a written record be made, the staff need to write the complaint down in front of them. Any written or oral suggestions by the parents, regarding the comfort of their child should be welcomed with a positive attitude. If the parents insist on observing the play ...