This research aimed at examining the daily life of a host institution for children, from birth to six years old, located in the state of Espírito Santo (Brazil). It also aimed at understanding the factors involved in the psychosocial development of children in residential care. The work is based on the Bioecological Human Development theory and on the methodological procedure of ecological engagement. In this article, among the nuclei presented by the theory, the priority is the analysis of the core context. Results showed that several aspects of daily life in the institution contribute to the psychosocial development of children - such as offering institutional conditions that lead to opportunities of healthy interaction with caregivers and other children, as well as the promotion of environmental experiences on several levels -, and it expands and strengthens the network of social support of the children and their families.
ecological engagement; residential care; child; human development