Child/Adult Interaction

Policy

Interactions between children and adults provide opportunities for children to build trust, develop an understanding of self and others, build language skills and conceptual knowledge, and encourage respect for the feelings and rights of others. All interactions between children and adults will be respectful and supportive of each child’s gender, culture, language, ethnicity, and family composition.  

Procedure

1. Adults will greet each child to acknowledge that they belong in the classroom.

2. Adults will actively listen to children and observe non-verbal communication.

3. Adults will physically place themselves at the child’s eye level while interacting.

4. Adults will encourage children to communicate their feelings.

5. Adults will use language and materials free from ethnic and gender bias.

6. Adults will stimulate critical thinking skills and cognitive concepts by using open-ended questioning, modeling, and other appropriate communication strategies.

7. Adults will demonstrate respect and caring for children in all interactions, giving reinforcement for children’s efforts.

8. Staff will make every effort to include persons in the classroom who speak the primary language of each child and are knowledgeable about their culture.