One of several guides developed by the California Department of Education for caregivers in centers and family child care homes, this guide offers information based on current theory, research, and practice that will support the language development and communication of infants and toddlers and their families. Each of the five sections focuses on either a particular developmental period or on the impact of culture on early language development and communication. Taken as a whole, the sections underscore the importance of providing flexible and individualized caregiving based on the child's developmental level and the family's linguistic and cultural heritage. Following an introduction and statement of the series' philosophy, the first three sections discuss the developmental capabilities of the young, mobile, and older infant. Sections four and five discuss the impact of bilingualism and culture on the early development of infant language and communication. All five sections describe appropriate practices; provide questions for caregivers to ask themselves; and list references and resources. (HTH)