Resources for Infant Educarers

Discover how Educaring® principles seamlessly integrate with the support provided by doulas. This Approach enhances the way doulas guide families by emphasizing respect, observation, and the natural development of infants. Learn how combining these practices can enrich the caregiving experience for both parents and babies.

Dive into the full blog for insights – https://rie.org/educaring-and-doulas/.

When infants are ready to do something, they will naturally do it. In fact, when they are ready, they must do it. This natural progression is a testament to their innate drive and developmental readiness. Trust in your baby's ability to show you when they are ready to take the next step.

Discover more about fostering natural growth and development through the Educaring® Approach.

Meet Alex Curtis, RIE Associate and author of "Simple Toys Make Active Babies." With a background in Early Childhood Education and Public Health, Alex is working on her Master’s at Portland State University. A mother of three, she has presented on various early childhood topics and is an IBCLC. Alex is also involved in training Early Childhood Educators through Lane Community College's Family Connections program.

Unearth the hidden gems within yourself and your parenting journey by embracing risks. Discover the priceless treasures that come from stepping out of your comfort zone. 🌟✨

Read more in the blog - https://rie.org/diamonds-in-the-vault-the-treasures-we-gain-from-taking-risks/.

If you are interested in learning more about the Educaring Approach, sign up for one of our Foundations courses! This 60 hour course explores the theory behind the practice, giving students a more nuanced and in-depth understanding. Classes meet in person or via videoconference (online) for 36 hours of lecture and discussion; there are an additional 24 hours of observation, readings, and self-study to complete the work. There's no prerequisite to enroll, and this is the first step toward becoming a RIE Associate for those who want to explore that path.

To contact the instructor of a course that accomodates your schedule, click here: https://rie.org/rie-foundations/

One of the biggest challenges for parents and caregivers is how to help toddlers and twos manage their aggression with friends, siblings or classmates in childcare or other social situations. Learning to regulate anger, jealousy, or even just overly exuberant play is an important task in the early years, is not done in a day, and adults' patience can sometimes wear thin. This webinar will offer perspectives that will hopefully make it easier to offer the understanding and guidance that maintains a child's self-respect while downshifting some of their more troublesome behaviors.

Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/helping-young-children-manage-aggression-with-understanding-and-respect-tickets-999332379047?aff=oddtdtcreator

One of the biggest challenges for parents and caregivers is how to help toddlers and twos manage their aggression with friends, siblings or classmates in childcare or other social situations. Learning to regulate anger, jealousy, or even just overly exuberant play is an important task in the early years, is not done in a day, and adults' patience can sometimes wear thin. This webinar will offer perspectives that will hopefully make it easier to offer the understanding and guidance that maintains a child's self-respect while downshifting some of their more troublesome behaviors.

To register, see the link in our bio.

Slowing down and being present with your child fosters deeper connections and understanding. Let's focus on mindful caregiving.

Inspired by the Educaring® Approach? Become a RIE® Associate and transform your understanding of infant and toddler care. Our professional development training offers a multi-year program that prepares you to join a global community of RIE Associates, offering classes, consulting, and coaching. Delve deeper into Magda Ge**er’s Educaring Approach and share it with others. Visit https://rie.org/become-a-rie-associate/ to read more.

Join us Sunday from 3-4p at the Hollywood RIE center near Melrose and Highland (in person) or online Wednesday from 7-8p (both times Pacific). Learn about RIE's unique approach to raising a secure, autonomous, competent, connected, authentic & independent child; one that is an active participant in their lives.

Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceehL2Sw4ja_5uN_TX0Zh2PVCQUIWoBCsXZL6fA5a_w8T-SQ/viewform

What to do when your baby cries?
“Crying is your child’s language. It is her way of communicating her needs to her parents. Every average, healthy child cries.” — Magda Ge**er, Your Self-Confident Baby
When your baby cries, let them know you are there and you care. Start by talking quietly, acknowledging their discomfort and your feelings: “I see you are uncomfortable. I want to understand your needs.” Observe and consider before reacting; understand why they are crying instead of just stopping the crying.
Crying is a baby’s way of expressing feelings or discomfort. Your thoughtful response helps your baby feel secure and fosters lifelong, honest communication.

The Educaring Approach is unique in that it is starts from the very first days, weeks, and months of a family's life...but what really makes it special is that it sets the tone for the rest of their lives. Curious to learn more...join one of our upcoming courses!

Quality time is what everyone truly desires: the gift of undivided attention and presence. In the context of Educaring, this means being fully present with your child, fostering deeper connections and mutual respect.

Introducing Yu, who earned her Ph.D. in Human Development from Cornell University. Yu discovered the Educaring Approach in 2015 and has since integrated it into her research and child-rearing methods. Alongside RIE, Yu is pursuing training in Feldenkrais and advanced coursework for children aged 0-2. She is also skilled in various trauma healing modalities for adults. Yu is dedicated to developing a holistic path to well-being from the start of life and offering comprehensive support to families with young children. Passionate about sharing her knowledge, Yu is especially focused on reaching the Chinese community.

Finding the balance between caring for your child and yourself is essential for a healthy relationship. Discover more about the Educaring® approach and how it can transform your parenting. Read more at https://rie.org/caring-for-yourself/.

Learn how to bring the Educaring Approach to life in our Nurturing Nanny Course! (Also available in Spanish) New Courses starting soon! Visit https://rie.org/nurturing-nanny/ for details! (https://rie.org/cuidadoras-carinosas/) for Spanish!

Talking to your baby has amazing benefits for both baby and parent. Magda Ge**er believed in speaking to babies as you would to a friend. It’s soothing for them and helps you stay present. This fosters a lifetime of healthy communication and builds trust. Babies thrive on predictability, and your words help them feel secure, making every interaction meaningful. Plus, narrating your actions can transform routine caregiving into a bonding experience.

When choosing play objects, embody the mantra “less is more.” The simpler the toy, the more creativity and ingenuity your child can bring to their play. Limiting the number of toys helps children focus and explore deeply. Everyday items from the kitchen can be the best tools for stimulating learning and building creativity.

Meet Leith Speer Barton, a RIE Associate, Certified Parent Coach, Fair Play Facilitator, and mother of two. Leith offers 1-1 virtual coaching worldwide and leads RIE Parent-Infant Guidance classes in New York City. Her journey from editor and brand consultant to passionate advocate of Magda Ge**er’s Educaring® Approach has been transformative. Discover more about Leith’s inspiring path and her dedication to supporting parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals.

Balancing the needs of adults and babies is crucial for a harmonious family life. Learn how to create a nurturing environment for everyone. Visit https://rie.org/balancing-the-needs-of-adults-babies/ to read more.

Join us and embrace the humbling journey of witnessing your child's innate wisdom blossom in the nurturing environment of our community. Welcome to a space where every moment is a celebration of your child's unique journey.

Join Patty Ryan, RIE® Mentor Teacher and Chair of the RIE Board of Directors, online this Saturday from 11a-1pm Pacific to hear her describe how to use the principles and practices of the Educaring® Approach as they apply to toddlers. She will discuss the specific stage of toddlerhood, demonstrating how the Educaring Approach can be effectively utilized to promote interdependence while supporting a toddler’s growing need for independence and autonomy.

To register, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-educaring-approach-and-toddlers-tickets-936906722227

In infancy, every interaction shapes the foundation of a child's growth. Magda Ge**er's poignant insight underscores the importance of providing not just good, but truly excellent care. It's in this nurturing environment that infants flourish and thrive, setting the stage for a lifetime of wellbeing and fulfillment. 💖

Meet RIE Associate Kumiko Akiyama, a mother of two with a background in psychology and early childhood education. Inspired by Magda Ge**er’s Educaring Approach, Kumiko has dedicated herself to nurturing deep connections with young children through daily caregiving. Join her in-person classes in Canada or online sessions in Japan to experience her passion for respectful and transformative caregiving.

Come join us at the next orientation for our Parent-Infant Guidance classes.

Sessions are available online, and in-person at the Pasadena RIE center. Click here to register:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceehL2Sw4ja_5uN_TX0Zh2PVCQUIWoBCsXZL6fA5a_w8T-SQ/viewform

In our Parent-Infant Guidance™ Classes, you can explore infant development, focus on your baby’s capabilities, and address common parenting issues with the Educaring Approach. From understanding pre-verbal cues to fostering cognitive and social-emotional growth, we provide a nurturing, safe environment for both infants and toddlers. Learn more about body awareness, language acquisition, and relational mental health. Find classes near you now at https://rie.org/parent-infant-guidance-class/

Meet RIE Associate Jessica Ballenger, an experienced educator from Los Angeles who has been working in early childhood education since 2003. With a BA in psychology and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, Jessica is passionate about guiding children toward successful relationships and positive self-worth. Discover how her experience with RIE and Reggio-inspired schools has shaped her approach to nurturing respectful interactions with even the youngest children.

Join a RIE Parent Guidance™ Class and delve into the transformative Educaring® Approach! Led by a RIE Associate, these small, supportive online sessions offer invaluable insights into child development. Explore topics like creating nurturing environments, fostering healthy sleep habits, and transforming caregiving activities into quality time. Let's navigate the joys of parenting together with RIE principles! Reserve your spot now at https://rie.org/parent-guidance/

Have you ever wanted to explore the Educaring® Approach a little more deeply? To learn more about the theory and the underpinnings of this work? RIE Foundations: Theory and Observation is the course specifically designed to provide a thorough exploration of Educaring.

Through lecture and discussion, readings and videos, and especially through hands-on experiences and (in some cases) live observations, this 60-hour course deepens your understanding of infant development.

See https://rie.org/rie-foundations/