"What do children need above all things?"

According to Drs. T. Berry Brazelton and Stanley Greenspan in their book Irreducible Needs of Children, the number one need of children is for ongoing nurturing relationships. Yet, current news headlines about the possible damage to children in childcare affirm that many children's needs are simply not being met. Children are in childcare for extended periods of time each day, often in less than adequate programs. Thousands of children are in centers that shift them from one childcare teacher to another frequently creating a negative impact on bonding.

At the same time, parents who stay at home with their children, as well as those who work outside of the home, are looking for support in developing healthy family practices and in learning about child development. Some neighborhoods are virtually empty during the day and the extended family that once taught parenting skills to the next generation is not always available.

LifeWays' response is an innovative relationship-based vision for childcare and practical, hands-on programs for parents and grandparents to support and strengthen the growing child and family.

LifeWays is a multi-service organization providing consulting and training for family childcare providers, childcare centers and parents caring for children ages Birth to 6 years.

We are members of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America, the Alliance for Childhood and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Won't you join us in our quest to provide children with a healthy childhood whether at home or in childcare?