This study investigated the association between the nature of parent-caregiver relationships and child behavior and examined the parent-caregiver relationship as a social support. A total of 120 parents of 2-year-olds who used child care at least 20 hours a week were randomly selected. Participants were asked to complete a survey that included a…

Designed to accompany "The Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers," this journal provides guidelines for practitioners using the curriculum. Information recorded for journal completion may be used as the basis for discussion at staff meetings or family child care association meetings, as well as in parent conferences. The journal…

Information on how warm and responsive care can help shape infants' and toddlers' development and their ability to learn can be reassuring for concerned parents. This guide, in English and Spanish versions, presents quality child care as a partnership between the child caregiver and the parents with the primary goal of benefiting the child. The…

Suggests strategies for caregivers to encourage peer interactions in infant/toddler programs. Strategies include helping children become familiar with surroundings and one another, maintaining social groups and friendships, varying the number and types of toys available at one time, controlling the number of children in a particular space, and…

A random sample of 95 toddlers in day care was rated by parents on the Child Behavior Checklist/2-3 (CBCL/2-3). Toddlers received nonparental care an average of 33 hours per week and the majority began day care by 5 months of age. The sample consisted of middle-class toddlers in medium-size cities in Connecticut. Day care was from relatives,…

Using the same approach of family involvement and empowerment that has guided Head Start, Early Head Start offers its services to pregnant women and children, birth to age 3. One of the characteristics that differentiates Early Head Start from traditional Head Start is the mandate to offer full-day, full-year services to infants and toddlers. The…

Five subtypes of directiveness were examined in the interactions of day care teachers with toddler and preschooler groups. Results confirmed that instructional context is an important mediator of teachers' directiveness and suggest that subtypes of directiveness have different effects on child language output. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

A study investigated parents' experiences and their views on labor force participation and childcare arrangements. An in-depth interview was conducted with the parent or parents from 60 families with 5-year-old children, selected randomly from 14 schools in the greater Wellington, New Zealand, region. Results included the following: (1) playgroups…

This self-directed teacher's guide accompanies "Innovations," a comprehensive, interactive curriculum for toddlers from 18 to 36 months. The "Innovations" program is based on the view that curricula for young children should involve thinking and planning for everything that can contribute to child development as well as the teacher's relationship…

Examines the role of the partner in the development of social pretend play in two related studies. In both studies, toddler age children played with same-age and five-year-old partners. In both studies, two-year-olds engaged in more social pretend play with older than same-age partners. (Author/BB)

Differences in program goals, theory, populations served, methods, duration, staff, and evaluation measures make it difficult to compare the effectiveness of different infant intervention programs. Formative evaluation is suggested as a way of ensuring that programs are being carried out. Where effectiveness is in doubt, process evaluation can…

This paper describes the characteristics of toddlers aged 12 to 30 months in relation to the qualities necessary for an effective early childhood program for such children. The first half of the paper discusses these qualities, which include: (1) respect for toddlers' budding autonomy; (2) attention to language development; (3) social interaction…

This report examines the expansion of Head Start programs to include children from birth to age 3. The report notes that high-quality, comprehensive programs for families and young children have demonstrated their effectiveness in helping families raise healthy, confident, curious children and, by providing support to parents, increasing parents'…

This publication presents ideas and practical suggestions for caregivers of infants and toddlers from the Montessori Birth to Three Program and contains a catalog of recommended toys and materials for the home and child care setting. The topics discussed include parenting, the Montessori educational philosophy, child development during the first…

Emphasizing brain research, this guide is designed to help trainers teach caregivers to provide responsive care to infants/toddlers and to understand why responsive care is important. The training is targeted for anyone in a caregiving role, especially child care providers and home care providers. The guide is organized in three sections. Section…