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INFANT AND TODDLERS learn by experiencing the world through their senses, by physically moving around and through social interactions.  Adults play a vital socialization role with infants and toddlers.  Warm, positive relationships with adults help young children develop a sense of trust in the world and feelings of competence.  The trusted adult is the secure base from which the infant and toddler explore their environment.  The most appropriate teaching technique in this age group is to give ample opportunities for children to practice newly acquired skills repetitively at the child’s own initiation.

NON-MOBILE INFANTS absorb and organize a great deal of information about the world around them, so adults talk and sing with them about what is happening and bring objects to observe, manipulate and explore with hands, mouths and whole body.  At times, adults carry non-mobile infants around to show them interesting events and people.  Infants may also be given opportunities to experience their bodies’ movements in various areas of the room from nest to mat to high chair to teacher’s lap and to broaden their view of their world.

MOBILE INFANTS, TODDLERS AND TOTS increasingly use toys, language and other learning materials in their play.  Important independence skills emerge during this time and must be encouraged including self-feeding, dressing and toileting.  A variety of toys and real objects will encourage children to play in increasingly complex ways.

TODDLERS AND TOTS are producing language rapidly and developing social skills.  They are also trying to organize and classify their complex world.  They need simple books, pictures, puzzles and music.  They need time and space and opportunities for active play such as jumping, climbing, running, rolling and other ways to test their bodies.