The student will be able to:

1. Describe concepts and the importance of attachments between infants and caregivers.
2. Identify aspects of infant sensory perception and the impact on development.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of sequences in infant/toddler motor development by summarizing the developmental milestones, characteristics, and growth patterns.
4. Examine cognitive development and learning in the infant/toddler period.
5. Investigate aspects of infant/toddler sociocultural development.
6. Analyze the role of cultural sensitivity as it relates to infants, toddlers, and families in care.
7. Explain the concept of respectful, responsive, and reciprocal inter-relationships.
8. Identify the caregiver's role in developing and implementing individualized curriculum.
9. Demonstrate observation and documentation skills.
10. Design a high-quality environment for infants and toddlers.
11. Using current research, compare and contrast caregiving practices that support optimal development and the most effective individualized care.

1. Describe concepts and the importance of attachments between infants and caregivers
   1. Review primary theories of attachment
   2. Describe stages of attachment development
   3. Examine attachment and the influence on early brain development
   4. Discuss cultural variations of attachment
2. Identify aspects of infant sensory perception and the impact on development
   1. Define concepts of sensory stimuli and integration
   2. Recognize infant behaviors that demonstrate development of perception
   3. Discuss family and cultural variations of sensory stimuli and perception
3. Demonstrate knowledge of infant/toddler physical development
   1. Discuss functions of infant reflexes
   2. Recognize gross motor skills and progression of development and mobility
   3. Recognize fine motor skills and progression of development and manipulation
   4. Identify the impact of parent/caregiver interactions and environment on motor skill development
4. Examine cognitive development and learning in the infant/toddler period
   1. Analyze interactions of reciprocal communication and progression of language development
   2. Examine the "discoveries" in infancy, including learning schemes, cause and effect, use of tools, understanding space, and imitation
   3. Examine the effects of trauma on the developing child
5. Investigate aspects of infant/toddler sociocultural development
   1. Recognize Erikson's stages of psychosocial development
   2. Identify the importance of family roles and relationships on infant social development
   3. Describe the impact of guidance and discipline techniques on an infant's social development
   4. Examine parent/caregiver role in promoting healthy brain growth and social development
   5. Recognize behaviors that demonstrate development of social skills
6. Analyze the role of cultural sensitivity as it relates to infants, toddlers, and families in care
   1. Explain the importance of developing and maintaining partnerships with parents
   2. Identify elements of mutually respectful relationships and communication
   3. Recognize the protective urges for caregivers and parents
   4. Review techniques for discussing and resolving differences
7. Explain the concept of respectful, responsive, and reciprocal inter-relationships
   1. Identify temperament traits of individual children in a group setting
   2. Identify temperament traits of adults and the concept of goodness-of-fit
   3. Describe the impact of caregiver expectations based on personal values and culture
   4. Explain socialization and guidance techniques
8. Identify the caregiver's role in developing and implementing individualized curriculum
   1. Recognize and describe the benefits of nurturing, responsive caregiving through primary care
   2. Analyze the importance of maintaining relationships through continuity of care and small groups
   3. Describe the concept of facilitating child-initiated curriculum
   4. Discuss the impact of group size and caregiver to child ratios in group care
   5. Recognize caregiving as curriculum and the importance of following individual needs and schedules
   6. Determine methods of incorporating principles of respectful care, including cultural responsiveness
   7. Discuss the inclusion of infants and toddlers with special needs in care
9. Demonstrate observation and documentation skills
   1. Practice observation techniques
   2. Document and interpret observed experiences and development
   3. Describe individual differences based on observation
10. Design a high-quality environment for infants and toddlers
    1. Recognize the effects of social and physical environments on program practices, child learning, and behavior
    2. Describe the caregiver's role in preparing the appropriate environment
    3. Analyze the effective use of time, space, and materials
    4. Examine the environmental needs of different age groups
    5. Review techniques for discussing and resolving differences
11. Recognize individualized care for caring for children in the home or making a smooth connection to home
    1. Learn to read infant's cues to care for them in an appropriate and effective way
    2. Learn to give and receive feedback to strengthen communication with families
    3. Design an environment that is safe and full of opportunities for learning
    4. Learn to prepare activities that are individualized for a child's developmental level
    5. Describe effective ways of doing caregiving routines in the home

Not applicable.

Class discussion
In-class activities
Program observation assignments
Examinations
Oral presentations and demonstration

Lecture
Discussion
Oral presentations
Demonstration
Field trips
Group work

Gonzalez-Mena, Janet, and Dianne Widmeyer Eyer. Infants, Toddlers and Caregivers, 11th ed.. 2017.

Swim, Terry. Infants and Toddlers: Caregiving and Responsive Curriculum Devlopment. 2022.

Taintor, Amanda, et al.. Infant and Toddler Care and Development, 2nd ed.. 2023.

Eliason, Susan. Infant and Toddler Education and Care. 2023.

Although the Gonzalez-Mena/Widmeyer Eyer text is older than five years, its content remains relevant.

Taintor, et al. text available as OER: https://socialsci.libretexts.org/@go/page/185615

Eliason text available as OER: https://socialsci.libretexts.org/@go/page/64565

1. Reading and study of the text.
2. Reading and written response to test questions, assignments, and relevant articles and online reading material.
3. Reaction writing assignments to guest speakers, videos, and experiences such as research projects and field trips.
4. Researching, planning, and written evaluation of individual or group projects.