Educarer World of Infants GLOSSARY

This page last revised November 19, 2006.

CEPHALOCAUDAL

The physical growth and development of infants follows two principles: The "cephalocaudal" means that the body develops from its top to bottom and the "proximodistal" means it develops from its center to the outer parts. The head and upper torso develop first, followed by the arms and upper back muscles, and so the progression goes. (Also see "proximodistal" definition)
See our Self-development Tidbit

CONTAINERIZATION - (Copyright © 1995-2003 by Phyllis Porter)

The placing of infants into containers (i.e., any piece of equipment which restricts the movement of the infant, e.g. swings, walkers, infant seats, or jump-ups).

CRUISING

The act of walking along walls or furniture by a pre-walking child for the purpose of maintaining balance.

DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE

Descriptive term referring to anything/anyone which interacts with the child in such a way that the child's present developmental level of potential is respected (i.e., challenges the child while neither causing the child frustration by being too difficult nor loss of interest by being overly simplistic).

EDUCARER

This term  [also the URL, or address of this website]  was coined by R.I.E. (Resources for Infant Educarers). The word "Educarer" represents the individual who has received the education and understands the concepts of quality infant care, i.e., a well-trained caregiver.  Note: Our Home Page "Departments" section links to R.I.E.

FLOOR BABIES

A stage of mobility where infants spend their time lying on their backs, working on rolling over onto their stomachs.

INFANT-ACTIVE,  TOY-PASSIVE

The child is the catalyst that causes the activity of the toy. The toy is NOT self-automated.

JERKED

A low-grade, and hence improper, transition. When transitioned by a caregiver in this manner, whether consciously or not, the infant's resulting experience is one of less respect and lower overall level of comfort and contentment. Accumulated experiences of this kind of transition will adversely affect the bonding/trust potential of the relationship.

PRE-WALKER

A stage of mobility from the time that an infant creeps on its stomach until he/she cruises around furniture.

PRIMARY CARE GROUP

The group of children for which the educarer is responsible and tends to their caregiving needs.

PROXIMODISTAL

The physical growth and development of infants follows two principles: The "cephalocaudal" means that the body develops from its top to bottom and the "proximodistal" means it develops from its center to the outer parts. Babies can "see" objects before they can "act on" them. The head and upper torso develop first, followed by the arms and upper back muscles, and so the progression goes. (Also see "cephalocaudal" definition) See our Self-development Tidbit

TRANSITIONS

The process of movement, either mental or physical, from one activity/location to another. Transitions are usually invoked by others but may be self-directed.

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