The East Community Guide - Gainesville, FL Monthly | Page 4

The Importance of Continuity of Child Care
By: Jessica Simmons
Most people don’t need research to tell them that stable,
comforting relationships with family members and other care givers are
critical to the healthy development of children. However, research
findings in child care have resulted in important policy implications. The
Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 reauthorized the
child care program for the first time since 1996 and represents an
historic re-envisioning of the Child Care and Development fund
program.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act ensures
greater continuity in child care, which is not only fundamental to work
parents, but it is also equally important economic support for businesses
and the community. The Child Care and Development focuses on two
things: helping parents to gain or maintain financial stability for their
families resulting in reduced stress and ultimately improves parenting.
The second, however, most important helping children develop and
grow to their full potential, so that they can have success in school and
in life.
Stable child care environments have proven advantages for
children. Continuity of child care supports the formation of dependable
human relationships. Infants and toddlers need to establish trust in their
caregivers as a secure basis for exploring their environment and
developing their identity.
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