ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author discusses aspects of practice that are vitally important when working with children aged 2–3 years of age. If a child has low-level well-being, they will not be able to engage, no matter how superb the setting is. The induction/settling period is critical, must be planned carefully and should take as long as needed for the child to feel secure and relaxed. For younger children and babies, the practitioner that carries out the home visit and who spends time settling a new child should be the key person for that child. Even with good well-being and a superb environment, one of the main aspects of practice that causes stress and tension is the timetable and, in particular, interruptions. With increasing numbers of children entering settings with delayed development, particularly in speech, physical and social skills, it is becoming more common to see intervention groups occurring for younger and younger children.
