Warm and Secure Environment (E2.1.2)
Sub Category: Relationships with Individual Children: Security, Warmth, and Responsiveness
Credential Level: Level 1 •
Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K
COMPETENCY STATEMENT
Provides physical and emotional security (creates a warm, safe, and nurturing environment)
DEFINITIONS
When teachers provide physical and emotional security, they use responsive verbal and non-verbal behaviors with young children. Non-verbal behaviors include reassuring touches, gentle eye contact, and smiling. Verbal behaviors include positive responses to the child that use warm and patient tones of voices.
EXAMPLES
eCIRCLE Social and Emotional Learning: Self Concept – Observe Self Concept – Specialist Commentary
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this video a teacher shares how he creates a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for children.
Exemplar Video: Be Predictable I1
Age Group: Infant
Age Group: Infant
In this exemplar video a teacher provides comfort to an infant experiencing physcial distress. Notice how the teacher stays calm, gives reassurance, and provides a gentle voice and touch–these are all examples of ways teachers can provide physical and emotional security to infants.
Exemplar Video: Be Predictable T1
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video teachers greet and welcome toddlers as they arrive to the classroom. Notice how the teachers welcome the children during during morning arrive and gauge each child’s needs–these are all examples of ways teachers can provide physical and emotional security.
Exemplar Video: Comforts Children in Distress
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this Exemplar Video, teacher comforts crying child on playground. Notice how the teacher acknowledges and is responding that the child is upset and missing their mom, using a warm tone of voice, rubs tummy and hand, and pulls them in close to show she is a secure/safe place for their needs.
WAYS TO PRACTICE
New Content on the Way: We are in the process of curating and developing resources for this section. Resources will be available shortly. Stay tuned for updates!