Observing Children with Attachment Difficulties in Preschool Settings: A Tool for Identifying and Supporting Emotional and Social Difficulties

Ann Frost · Jane Fain · Sian Templeton · Eleanor Durrant · Kim S. Golding

Nov 2012 · Jessica Kingsley Publishers

About this ebook

For preschool children with emotional difficulties arising from difficulties in attachment, standard observations used in early years settings are not always helpful in identifying their problems and providing guidance on how they can be helped.

Combining an accessible introduction to attachment and child development with a child observation tool for identifying behaviour, and the emotional needs underlying this behaviour, this book enables early years professionals to identify problems and provide appropriate support. 'Case study' boxes help to illustrate typical patterns of attachment, and all aspects of behaviour are covered including play, interaction with peers, neediness, and aggression. A range of handouts and activities is included, and guidance provided on how to work within professional boundaries. Written in clear, concise language, Observing Children with Attachment Difficulties in Preschool aims to equip the reader with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and support children's emotional and social difficulties.

Suitable for use with children aged 2 – 5, this guide will be an invaluable resource for early years professionals, as well as for use by clinicians, teachers and learning support staff.

About the author

Ann Frost works in Early Years and Education for ISL, supporting looked after and adopted children by raising awareness of their additional needs in schools and early years settings.

Jain Fain is an early years practitioner for ISL, supporting the transition of children from early years settings into school.

Sian Templeton is an educational psychologist. Previously, she taught in primary education.

Eleanor Durrant is currently completing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with a special interest in attachment.

Kim S. Golding CBE, BSc, MSc, D. Clin. Psy. AFBPsS is a clinical psychologist who works in Worcestershire, England where she was influential in the founding of the Integrated Service for Looked After Children - a multi-agency, holistic service providing support for foster, adoptive and residential parents, schools and the range of professionals supporting children growing up in care or in adoptive families. Kim was trained and mentored by Dan Hughes in the use of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP). She was formerly on the board of the Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Institute supporting the use of DDP in Europe, USA and Canada. She accredits and trains professionals in the approach and has been invited to speak about this work internationally.