Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) was founded in 1978 by Magda Gerber. Gerber saw infants as complete human beings, who actively take part in their own development. Today, the RIE network offers classes so that parents and caregivers can learn the RIE approach to infant and toddler care.

The RIE Approach to Caregiving

The RIE approach to caregiving has several main tenants. These include:

• Respect: Caregiving must begin with respect for children and for their innate abilities.
• Authenticity: An authentic child is one who feels secure, autonomous, competent, and connected.
• Trust: Caregivers must trust a child’s ability to explore their world. Caregivers should only provide enough help so that babies can learn on their own.
• Observation: With careful observation, caregivers will learn what a child needs.
• Involvement in Caregiving: Parents should involve children in their own caregiving.
• Safety: Infants need safe spaces in which to move freely.
• Predictability: Babies learn best when their environments and routines are predictable.
• Freedom: Children should be able to move freely and without obstruction. They should have plenty of time for uninterrupted play.
• Consistency: Caregivers must clearly define and communicate rules and limits, and must be consistent in their enforcement.

For more information about the RIE method, and RIE classes, visit: RIE.org.

Sources:

https://www.rie.org/

https://www.rie.org/about/our-founder/

https://www.rie.org/educaring/ries-basic-principles/