Magda Gerber educare philosophy connotes educating toddlers while at the same time caring for them. At the core, this idea builds on seeing and responding to each toddler as an individual with unique needs (Petrie & Owen, 2005). Ideally, this approach stresses the interdependent connection between educating and caring for infants. In other words, Gerber moves that there should be reciprocal and responsive relationships between babies and caregivers learn from each other. The philosophy has three main principles: respect, communication, and caring.
In executing educating and caring simultaneously, Gerber’s approach provides different care giving strategies. Some of these strategies include sensitive observation, involvement of the infant in all care activities, providing the toddler with adequate freedom to explore, and providing a safe environment for the child (Mooney, 2010). In using these strategies, children, families, and educarers benefit greatly. Irrefutably, for instance, every involved party benefits from developing a unique relationship with the other. For parents, for example, there is the realization of such a valuable emotional connection with the infant. Considering every tenet of this theory, I disagree with Gerber’s approach. There is one main reason for refuting this approach: children are born with no life experience making it possible for them to make some appropriate care decisions. However, this theory does connect with developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) in that they both posit that adults should involve children in making caring and educational decisions.
The committee for children website is a great site for early childhood educators in that it focuses on providing a safe environment for children. Principally, the site majors in showing ways in which a caregiver can always ensure the child is in a safe environment and hands. It addresses one main hazard: sexual abuse. There are three main reasons why the site is helpful: (1) highlights the need to give children affection; (2) provides a model to design open communication; and (3) offers free advice on knowing whether the child is in safe hands. The site’s URL is http://www.cfchildren.org/child-protection/related-articles/establishing-a-safe-environment-for-your-kids.
References
Mooney, C. G. (2010). Theories of attachment: An introduction to Bowlby, Ainsworth, Gerber, Brazelton, Kennell, and Klaus. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.
Petrie, S., & Owen, S. (2005). Authentic relationships in group care for infants and toddlers - resources for infant educarers (RIE) principles into practice. London: J. Kingsley Publishers.
