Previous research has investigated the effects of daycare on infants,
though little attention has been given to the emotional impact of this work
on their caregivers. Attachment theory has influenced the approach to infant
daycare, leading many programs to adopt a primary caregiving system in
order to respond effectively to the needs of the infant. Babies become attached
to caregivers and in turn caregivers become attached to the babies. This study
explored the implications of such attachments.
Naturalistic inquiry made the web of relationships surrounding
infant/toddler caregivers apparent. In conversational interviews, caregivers
spoke deeply of the complexities and demands of their work with babies and
their families. Their voices were eloquent, thoughtful and reflective.
The data consist of lengthy initial interviews, follow-up conversations,
and observations. The researcher's own education and experience informed
the data gathering and interpretation. Seven caregivers in four different
centres were interviewed. Each had her Under Age Three Certificate and
worked in a licensed centre. Each of these centres used some degree of
primary caregiving. The interviews were informal, based on a list of
questions used to encourage conversation and narrative. Observations offered
an opportunity to understand the context of each caregiver and prompt
further conversation. Analysis was a process of analyzing the interviews for
themes and ideas in light of the observations.
The picture that emerged illustrates the complexity inherent in the work
of caring for babies. Caregivers spoke of their relationships as sources of
satisfaction and frustration. In a dynamic, ongoing process of engaging with
babies, families, co-workers, and selves, caregivers must negotiate these
multiple relationships using skills of empathy and thoughtfulness. The Early
Childhood Education and Care literature discusses toddlers' struggle with
separation anxieties. Not well articulated in the literature, but evident in the
data, is the grief of the caregivers. Each woman spoke of her own sadness at
the loss of her relationship with a baby or toddler when that child left the
centre. Relationship with all its intensity and tensions was central to the
professional experience of these women.
Each of the four most experienced caregivers accented a different aspect
of caregiving: a) the sensual aspects of caring for babies, b) the intellectual
possibilities of caregiving, c) caring as a spiritual practice, and d) the need for
attentive care for one's self.
The particular centre and context of each caregiver influenced the care
she provided; without a supportive environment it is difficult to provide
respectful and responsive care. The participants discussed the need for
adequate time to establish and maintain relationships; time was also
necessary to meet and discuss concerns. Caregivers needed time for reflection
to keep multiple perspectives in mind. Time is an important and often scarce
resource for caregivers.
Caregiving is a web of relationships. This research was reflective of and
ethically responsive to the caregiving relationship. Paying attention to the
multiple pulls experienced as an insider, I used trust, respect, responsiveness,
and responsibility to guide the research process. Two women, whom I called
peer reviewers and who had both worked in the field, but were now a step
removed, discussed with me general topics raised by the interviews and
listened for the "ring of truth".
Listening to the seldom heard voices of the caregivers and their
emphasis on the process of building and maintaining relationships suggests
possible directions for supervision of centres, guidelines for Early Childhood
Education and Care education, and development of licensing policies. The
caregivers' focus on relationship challenges the centrality of child
development in the organization of practice. Supporting, honouring, and
building on caregivers' connections with the babies in their care, the families,
the staff, and with themselves will enhance the practice of infant and toddler
care. / Graduate
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uvic.ca/oai:dspace.library.uvic.ca:1828/10265 |
| Date | 07 November 2018 |
| Creators | Elliot, Enid Frances |
| Contributors | Mayfield, Margie |
| Source Sets | University of Victoria |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | Available to the World Wide Web |
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