In order for the content of training to be sound, it should be based on current knowledge of child development research and practice. The impact of a good training curriculum depends on how it is made available to caregivers. Training delivery strategies range from ensuring that there is an adequate number of trainers to the establishment of training strategies that reach out to caregivers, especially those working outside the child care regulation system. Examples of states where such efforts are currently underway include California, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Illinois. Close, caring relationships are made possible by the policies of primary care, continuity of care, and small groups.
Primary care involves the assignment of caregivers to specific infants in a group setting.
The relationship is not exclusive another caregiver or two may also care for the child but it is a special one. With primary care, programs are structured so that the infants know that someone who understands them well is emotionally available for comfort and nurturance. Once a primary care relationship is established for an infant, the policy of continuity of care ensures that programs will attempt to keep caregivers and children together throughout the three years of the infancy period. This policy prevents the child from repeatedly grieving the loss of a caregiver that results from being switched from one caregiver to another. An additional benefit of continuity is that the children develop strong friendships with each other.