Glossary

Care as a relational way of knowing and being beyond solely responding to a person’s needs. Care and the acting of caring is subjective, complex, and looks and feels different for everyone. 

Reference

Relational leadership. (2025). Moodle course. [RRU].

Possession of sufficient knowledge or skill. 

Reference

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Competence. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/competence

Critical reflection involves thinking carefully and methodically about fundamental beliefs, with the goal of better understanding the various cultural, social, material, and historical forces that shape our sense of self and others and how we view the world. Critical reflection is both an individual and collective process that includes dialogue with colleagues as well as with the broader community.

Reference

British Columbia Ministry of Education. (2019). British Columbia early learning framework. Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Children and Family Development, & Early Advisory Group.​

All of our care routines give messages. 

If we rush our routines and do them mindlessly, what message do children receive? Our caregiving is part of what children are learning, when I change a diaper do I give the child the message that I enjoy this one-on-one time with them? Do I see their bodies in a positive light? When we eat together do we share ideas and notice what we are eating? When settling a child for a nap, do we take time to acknowledge who they are and what they need to fall asleep? 

Working with young children we remember that our care routines and our caring for and about the children and families is part of the curriculum.

Reference

Elliot, E. (2013). Listening with two ears: Caregivers listening deeply to babies and to self. In M. O'Loughlin (Ed.), The Uses of Psychoanalysis in Working with Children’s Emotional Lives (pp. 47-67). Plymouth, UK: Jason Aronson.