4.5: Program Features That Support Effective Infant and Toddler Care

Program policies set the stage for infant/toddler learning and development. Program policies that support effective infant/toddler curriculum planning and implementation include these elements:

• Primary Care—assigning a primary infant care teacher to each child and family
• Small Groups—creating small groups of children and caregivers
• Continuity—maintaining consistent teacher assignments and groups over time
• Personalized Care—responding to individual needs, abilities, and schedules
• Cultural Continuity—maintaining cultural consistency between home and program through dialogue and collaboration with families
• Inclusion of Children with Special Needs—providing appropriate accommodations and support for children with disabilities or other special needs.[1]