6/2014

This paper is the second part of a two-part series about individualizing—or tailoring—care that meets each child and family’s interests, abilities, and needs. It focuses on the four activities of individualizing care: observe and document; reflect, interpret, and plan; implement; and reflect and evaluate. Early Head Start and Migrant and Seasonal Head Start professional development staff may use this paper with teachers, family child care providers, and home visitors.In

Individualizing Care for Infants and Toddlers –Part 1, we focused on the “why” and “what” of individualization:

• the importance of individualization;
• some considerations for individualizing care; and
• program structures and practices that support staff in doing this important work.

Here, in Part 2, we describe the “how” of individualizing care—the process through which staff respond thoughtfully to each child and family’s interests, abilities, and needs. We focus in particular on the central activity that includes reflecting, interpreting, and planning. We also highlight relevant Head Start Program Performance Standards and include sample planning forms, references, and related resources.

Source: Early Head Start National Resource Center and Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center

Available at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/ehsnrc/Early%20Head%20Start/early-learning/caregiving/ehs-ta-17.html