Benefits of Outdoor Play and Exploration
Explore four benefits of outdoor play and exploration for infants and toddlers: improved health; strengthened development and learning; connection to nature; and extended curriculum.
Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning
Supporting Outdoor Play and Exploration for Infants and Toddlers
Learn about benefits of outdoor time for infants and toddlers. Find suggestions for creating outdoor play spaces, safety considerations, and strategies and policies to support quality infant-toddler programming.
The Current State of Outdoor Play and Exploration in the United States
Research shows young children are spending less time outdoors engaging in active play and exploring the natural world. This trend has significant adverse effects on young children's health and development.
Cultural Learning Experiences in Tribal Early Learning Settings
These videos demonstrate cultural practices in tribal early learning settings that support children's development in all Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) domains.
Identifying the Lenses Through Which Staff and Families Observe Children
Learn ways to help education staff and families be mindful that many things can influence what they notice and how they interpret their observations about infants and toddlers.
What Is Observation?
Learn how observing children is a key part of what education staff in Head Start infant toddler programs do daily. Observation involves focus, purpose, and watching and listening to learn about individual children.
Child Observation: The Heart of Individualizing Responsive Care for Infants and Toddlers
Learn about ways to observe infants and toddlers—a key part of the ongoing child assessment cycle. Explore strategies to support this important component of quality infant and toddler care.
The Foundations for School Readiness: Fostering Developmental Competence in the Earliest Years
Use this resource to support staff as they help infants and toddlers develop the characteristics and skills they will need for later success in school and life.
Use of Feeding Chairs with Trays in Head Start Infant/Toddler Programs
Selecting a type of feeding chair depends on the program option and children's ages and stages. This tip sheet guides decisions about which feeding chairs to use and how to use them appropriately.
Promoting Adult-Child Interactions that Support Higher-Order Thinking and Language Skills
Find resources to help education staff implement effective teaching practices, including interactions that facilitate concept development.