The Program for Infant/Toddler Care

Format: 3 hour session, 30-40 participants, lecture, video, discussion.

This is a two-part session focusing on (1) innovative uses of space and equipment to create small groups and support optimal development in infant care programs and (2) the video Space to Grow: Creating a Child Care Environment for Infants and Toddlers, which focuses on eight important concepts that quality infant care environments should have: Health, Safety, Comfort, Convenience, Choice, Flexibility, Movement, and Child Size. Key concepts discussed include:

· The importance of a quality environment to quality care
· Elements of a quality environment for infants and toddlers
· Meeting adult as well as children's needs
· Maintenance of the environment
· Health and safety issues related to the environment (e.g., ventilation, cleanliness).

Related Module(s):
II Group Care

Related Resources:
Article	Criteria for Setting Up Early Head Start Classrooms
Article	Enhancing Development through Classroom Design in Early Head Start
Article	Landscape for Learning: The Impact of Classroom Design on Infants and Toddlers
Guide	Infant/Toddler Caregiving: A Guide to Setting Up Environments
Handout	Eight Steps in the Design Process for Childcare Centers
Handout	*Excerpts from Landscapes for Learning* Design Manual**
Handout	Primary Indicators of Program Quality
Handout	Scenarios for Small Group Discussions
Handout	Three Ways to Achieve Continuity of Care
Manual	Trainer's Manual Module II: Group Care
Video	Space to Grow: Creating a Child Care Environment for Infants and Toddlers (2nd Edition)
DVD	Space to Grow: Creating a Child Care Environment for Infants and Toddlers (2nd Edition)
Video Mag	Space to Grow: Creating a Child Care Environment for Infants and Toddlers (2nd Edition)