Including Relationship-Based Care Practices in Infant-Toddler Care: Implications for Practice and Policy

This review of research on relationship-based care practices outlines considerations for implementing these practices in Early Head Start and childcare centers serving infants and toddlers.

The report emphasizes two specific relationship based care supports–primary caregiving and continuity of care–and includes considerations at the center level, for parents and families, and for staff. The brief also discusses federal and state policies related to adopting these practices. Additionally the brief discusses how licensing, Quality Rating and Improvement Systems, and Early Head Start performance standards relate to implementing these practices.

Members of the Network of Infant/Toddler Researchers and the Quality Initiatives Research and Evaluation Consortium, jointly wrote this brief.