SIDE BY SIDE:

BUILDING Intergenerational TEAMS

  GENERATIONS TOGETHER
University of Pittsburgh
121 University Place
Suite 300
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Older and Younger Caregivers Making a Difference in Childcare

P R O G R A M   O V E R V I E W

Side by Side is a new childcare initiative to develop intergenerational childcare teams. The program is designed to train and prepare older and younger caregivers to work together to create an effective and nurturing environment for young children. This program will enable childcare professionals to enhance the quality of care they provide.

P R O G R A M   G O A L S

• Introduce to communities and childcare professionals the value of intergenerational teams

• Help older adults and young childcare professionals understand and communicate with each other

• Create effective intergenerational teams

• Build meaningful relationships across the generations

• Help employers and communities recognize the benefits of an age diverse staff.

P R O G R A M   S T E P S

1. Convene a community awareness meeting

2. Identify program participants
   Recruit and screen older and younger team members

3. Train older adult caregivers
   Train the younger adult professional caregivers

4. Facilitate the formation of intergenerational teams
   Identify and train leadership to maintain the program

5. Support intergenerational teams
   Replicate intergenerational models in other sites.

P R O G R A M   B E N E F I T S

OLDER ADULTS

• Share experiences with children

• Validate life experience and knowledge

• Develop new skills working in childcare

• Build a social network

YOUNGER ADULTS

• Enhance the childcare center's program

• Gain a partner to improve the childcare environment

• Work with a positive role model

• Gain a deeper understanding of the rich life experiences of older adults

• Learn the value of older adults as caregivers

• Create a stable environment and promote continuity for children.

PARENTS

• Acquire more information about their children

• Develop friendships with the other adults

• Learn skills by watching older adults as role models

• Increase parenting knowledge through support and advice offered by older adult caregivers.

Generations
Together
Projects