Children are comfortable in approaching teachers and initiate casual conversation with them. Children's comments and questions are listened to. Teachers respond respectfully and sincerely. Teachers sit or kneel to be at the child's level to talk or listen to them. Teachers use their laps and arms to hold and touch children six years and under.
Teachers respond positively to older children's needs for humor and friendly touching.
Each child is warmly greeted by name as he arrives. Teachers use words which show they understand children's feelings and that it is okay to feel sad, angry, hurt, etc. When teachers must stop unacceptable behavior they use words, tone of vioce and actions which maintain respect for the children. Children's faces are open, expressive and relaxed. Teachers are considerate of each other and show mutual respect for each other.