The words "routine" and "ritual" are sometimes used interchangeably. Yet there are some important differences. Routines are repeated, predictable events that provide a foundation for the daily tasks in a child's life. Teachers can create a predictable routine in early childhood settings for infants and toddlers, and they can individualize those…

As infant/toddler programs encounter growing diversity, they need to reenvision the impact they have on children and families in all areas of practice, from recruiting new enrollees to stocking classrooms to changing the ways adults interact with children and families with different languages and from different cultures. What happens on the first…

The belief that a child has to abandon his home language to learn English implies that the young brain has limited learning capacity. Early childhood teachers need to help families understand that children can learn two languages at the same time. What matters is that the infant/toddler is in an effective language-learning environment, whether it…

Most children between 18 and 24 months can say about 50 words and understand hundreds more. While children a few months younger use single words to label objects and people, the one- and two-word phrases children use at this age show the beginnings of what they call "stories"--children's expressions of their desires, descriptions of what they see,…

Discusses three major characteristics that are important for child care professionals: experience, knowledge, and special personal qualities. Among the special personal qualities discussed are those of anticipating and planning, protecting, listening, comforting, and caring for the whole family. (BB)

The primary caregiving model provides for teachers to have primary daily responsibility for the same small group of toddlers or infants. The system allows for creation of strong bonds between teacher and child and provides parents with a trusted care partnership. Challenges to the system include large child-to- caregiver ratios, matching teachers…

Discusses ways for caregivers to improve sensitivity to cultural and individual differences and increase communication across cultural barriers. Offers suggestions for managing and resolving conflicts related to caregiving practices. (LB)

Draws on discussions with child care workers to discuss important changes involved in moving from teaching preschoolers to teaching infants and toddlers. Describes differences in (1) relating to children; (2) parent/teacher relationships; (3) group dynamics; (4) curriculum; (5) routines and transitions; (6) coworker relationships; (7) director…

Discusses ways young children, families, and caregivers can work together in toilet learning. Describes signs of child readiness, and ways teachers can be supportive at this stage. Presents a classroom plan to facilitate toileting for 2- and 3- year-olds. Includes tips for parents and for caregivers related to toileting materials, toileting…