Rethinking Attachment for Early Childhood Practice: Promoting Security, Autonomy and Resilience in Young Children

Although attachment theory has, in recent debates, been seen as anti–child care, this study rethinks this perception, demonstrating instead that understanding attachment is essential to good child care practice. A thorough explanation of attachment theory is provided along with explanations of how security, autonomy, and resilience in young children can be promoted in child care settings through a sound understanding of attachment principles. With examples drawn from practice, the author examines the relationships between children and those who care for them, between parents and those who care for their children, and among child care providers themselves.

Sharne Rolfe is a psychologist and senior lecturer in early child development at the University of Melbourne. She is the author of Doing Early Childhood Research.