What is "continuity of care" and why is it important?

This week naptime was asked, "What is Continuity of Care and why is it important?" Here is the answer:

The term refers to the presence of a primary caregiver that is consistent from birth to age three. A consistent caregiver reduces a child’s fear and stress and enables the child to explore and learn with confidence. Attachment is very important in the first three years of a child’s life. When a child is in child care, continuity of care can be a challenge. When looking for child care, look for these things:

1.) 1. Is there a primary caregiver? Is there one person who takes care of your child’s diapering, feeding, and napping routines? Does that person share information with you about your child daily?

2.) 2. Does the child care center promote relationships where peers and caregivers stay together for several years, rather than moving your child from room to room? It can be difficult and stressful for a child to move to a new room (with new caregivers and peers) just because of a birthday or because he has reached a developmental milestone like walking.