Warm and Secure Environment (E2.1.2)

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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

Exemplar Video: Comforts Children in Distress
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.

Infant Exemplar Video #1
Age Group: Infant

In this exemplar video, a teacher recognizes signs of stress in a child crying and responds promptly. Notice how the teacher uses a warm tone and soothing touches to create a safe environment for the child –an example of provides physical and emotional security.

Infant Exemplar Video #2
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.

Pre-K Exemplar Video #1
Age Group: Pre-K

In this exemplar video, a teacher provides emotional support for a child in distress. Notice how the teacher uses a calm tone, reassuring touches, and maintains eye contact — examples of providing physical and emotional security.

Pre-K Exemplar Video #2
Age Group: Pre-K

In this video a teacher shares how he creates a warm, safe, and nurturing environment for children.

Toddler Exemplar Video #1
Age Group: Toddler

In this exemplar video, a teacher engages in pretend play with a child and interacts with a laptop. Notice how the teacher uses pretend play to suggest scenarios and type letters on the keyboard –an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.

Toddler Exemplar Video #2
Age Group: Toddler

In this exemplar video, a teacher responds to a child reaching for a hug. Notice how the teacher uses a warm and inviting tone and soothing touches to create a safe environment for the child –an example of provides physical and emotional security.

Toddler Exemplar Video #3
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.

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!