Resources: Separation and Reunion

Articles

Prime Times: A Handbook for Excellence in Infant and Toddler Programs: Jim Greenman, Anne Stonehouse, Gigi Schweikert
This sourcebook for establishing, organizing, and maintaining a quality program includes topics such as developmental issues; staffing and staff training; creating learning and nurturing environments; establishing routines; discipline; health, nutrition, and safety policies; and partnering with parents. Charts, tables, and illustrations enhance the text, and a new CD-ROM with reproducible forms is included.
http://www.redleafpress.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=1234

Everyday Goodbyes: Starting School and Early Care, a Guide to the Separation Process: Nancy Balaban
Because the success or failure of early separation experiences can affect a child’s movement toward independence, teachers and parents must know how to help young children cope with the unpleasant feelings sometimes associated with separation.
In Everyday Goodbyes, Nancy Balaban addresses this critical aspect of child development.
This book offers many sensitive, practical suggestions to ease the separation process for all involved. http://store.tcpress.com/0807746398.shtml

Routines and Transitions: A Guide for Early Childhood Professionals: Nicole Malenfant
Turn daily activities such as hand washing, snacks, and naps into nurturing experiences. In the process you will promote children’s skills, run a more efficient program, and create a calmer setting. An excellent training manual for new staff and an in-depth refresher for experienced caregivers, this guide includes a comprehensive review of theory and practice.
http://www.redleafpress.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=952

Easy Songs for Smooth Transitions in the Classroom: Nina Araujo and Carol Aghayan
Use the simple, catchy songs in this collection to help young children move smoothly and joyfully through transition times. Participation in music is a great way to help children pitch in and join the shift of focus. Includes CD of all 69 songs to help you learn the melodies. Song lyrics are simply presented, along with guitar chords and tips for using each song.
http://www.redleafpress.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=888

Bear Feels Scared: Karma Wilson
Bear's gone for a walk in the woods and gets hungry, so he decides to turn back. A rainstorm kicks up and Bear can’t find his way. Bear feels scared. This thoroughly reassuring story will be familiar to anyone who has ever felt the fear of straying a little too far from home.

Owl Babies: Martin Waddell
When three baby owls awake one night to find their mother missing, they can’t help but wonder where she's gone: What is she doing? When will she be back? What scary things move all around them? This tale is sure to comfort children who will recognize and appreciate the fears of these young owls.

The Kissing Hand: Audrey Penn
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand. This heartwarming book has become a classic, helping millions of children and their parents cope with times of separation.

Wemberly Worried: Kevin Henkes
Wemberly worried about everything. Big things. Little things. And things in between. Then it was time for school to start. And Wemberly worried even more. If you ever worry (or know someone who does), this is the book for you.

Good Night, Gorilla: Peggy Rathmann
It’s bedtime at the zoo, and all the animals are going to sleep. Or are they? Who’s that short, furry guy with the key in his hand and the mischievous grin? Sneak along behind the zookeeper’s back, and see who gets the last laugh in this riotous goodnight romp.

Helping Babies Make Transitions: Sarah Merrill and Donna R. Britt
Transition plans can help staff and families facilitate smooth, positive transitions for infants and toddlers. But unexpected things happen. Here’s a strategy to help infants adjust positively to unexpected changes.
http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200805/BTJ Rocking Rolling Transitions.pdf

Challenging our Assumptions: Helping a Baby Adjust to Center Care: Enid Elliot
Although developmental theories are useful they also have limitations. What can be done for the child who simply can’t be categorized? In this case study, observation, thought and commitment eventually leads to a successful solution.
http://journal.naeyc.org/btj/200307/ChallengingOurAs.pdf

Daily Separations and Reunions: Libby Zimmerman
Parents, staff, and children all experience intense emotions when young children leave or return to a caregiver’s program. Daily separations and reunions are part of the fabric of relationships, and provide opportunities to develop a young child’s skill at making positive transitions.
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/teaching/eecd/Learning%20Environments/Daily%20Routines/edudev art 00102 072305.html

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