How can the lived experience of practitioners illuminate the complexities of emotional and ethical care in managing a day care nursery?

Much of the policy and practice surrounding early years work in nursery day care emphasises the school readiness of young children, with less focus on the complexity of emotional and ethical demands. Through case studies and her personal lived experience as an education practitioner, caring for infants from 6 weeks to 2 years, author Amanda Norman details the emotional labour, celebrations, and challenges of working with our youngest community members.

The Baby Room explores the implementation of a Person-Centred Care (PCC) approach, and discusses how this can be used to create a sense of belonging and community, ultimately shaping the social identity of professionals. Addressing topics such as principles of a therapeutic relationship, the role of supervision, and teamwork, this book is ideal reading for students of Education and Early Childhood Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and practitioners of Infant Education.

Amanda Norman EdD is a Senior Lecturer in Childhood Studies (Early Years) at the University of Winchester.