At Sprouts Early Learning, children’s rights are not held at arm’s length, they are at the very heart of everything we do. One of the ways we live this commitment is through the Circle of Security approach, particularly the powerful theme of Being With.
Being With is more than just being physically present. It’s about being emotionally available, attuned, and responsive to what a child is experiencing, whether it’s joy, excitement, fear, frustration, or sadness. It’s about saying, in words and in actions: “I see you. I hear you. I’m here with you.”
Safety as a Way of Being
At Sprouts ELC, child safety isn’t simply a policy or a checklist, it’s a way of being with children. Safety comes from deep knowledge of each child’s interests, personality, and needs, beginning with our All About Me form when they first join our community. From there, our educators weave this knowledge into every interaction, ensuring children feel valued, respected, and understood.
Being emotionally present means supporting both large and small emotions with care and respect. Sometimes that looks like sitting quietly at a respectful distance when a child is having a big emotion, offering a calm presence until they are ready for connection. We might say:
- “Yeah. You are right. That was a really terrible thing that happened.”
- “I’m here for you if you need someone to listen.”
- “It’s okay to be mad/sad/worried.”
- “I’m here for you.”
This approach validates big feelings and offers hope, showing children there is a way through difficult emotions, and they don’t have to navigate them alone.
The Circle of Security in Action
The Circle of Security reminds us of four guiding messages for children:
- Watch over me
- Protect me
- Delight in me
- Enjoy with me
Sprouts EL educators live these principles daily. When children are seeking closeness, comfort, or reassurance (the bottom of the Circle), our Being With them until they feel safe and secure. This emotional “refuel” gives them the confidence to head out again into the world of play, exploration, and discovery (the top of the Circle).
Why This Matters for Child Safety
Child safety is not only about protecting children from harm, it’s also about actively promoting their wellbeing. When educators practice Being With:
- Children’s voices are heard and valued in everyday activities.
- Emotions are acknowledged rather than dismissed.
- Trust is built, creating a safe foundation for exploration.
- Independence grows naturally from a base of secure attachment.
Through Being With, children learn that they are safe to express themselves, to take risks in play, and to seek help when they need it. It’s a win-win: children feel supported, and their capacity for independence and resilience blossoms.
At Sprouts Early Learning…
Being With is not an occasional strategy, it’s our everyday practice. It’s how we keep children safe, not just in body, but in mind and heart. Our educators delight in children, protect them, and walk alongside them through every high and low, so they know they are never alone in their journey to grow, learn, and thrive.
