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The Importance of BuildingPositive Relationships with Children

An Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Trawick-Smith

Dr. Jeffrey Trawick-Smith discusses the importance of connecting with children and developing strong, positive relationships. This video was created as part of the Guiding Young Children's Behavior series, an interactive training curriculum that provides current and future early childhood professionals with tools and strategies for guiding preschool children's behavior in positive ways. The curriculum was originally made possible through the generous support of the U.S. Department of Defense for Project Navigate, a project to support the professional development of early childhood professionals in U.S. Navy child care centers.

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  • Transcript for The Importance of Building Positive Relationships with Young Children

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    Dr. Jeffrey Trawick-Smith: Of course, the most important attachment is between children and their families. But a nice strong attachment to a childcare provider also can have a powerful impact on children’s social development and their behavior. One study found that children who became attached to a childcare provider for just one year, it was just for a year, at age four, were found to be better adjusted later in life. They were found to have more friends; they were able to interact with peers in a positive way; their teachers rated them as better adjusted to school, well into the elementary years. So a message here for childcare providers is that there’s a lasting benefit for forming a good, positive, strong bond with children in childcare.

    © 2006 Center for Early Childhood Education at Eastern Connecticut State University. May be reprinted for educational purposes.