Infants and toddlers learn through continuous interaction with their caregivers and the world around them. They develop in close relationships with their primary caregivers, and quality care helps them feel safe and secure so that they can take healthy risks and become active learners. This is why quality child care requires high staffing, supportive supervision, and a respectful environment that is designed with young children’s needs in mind.

In an intimate setting, caregivers can offer flexible scheduling to allow babies and toddlers to sleep when they want, to eat when they are hungry, and to play on their own or with other children or adults. They can provide a wide variety of toys and materials for them to explore. In addition, the physical environment of a good program provides ample spaces for quiet and active play indoors and out. The space includes child-sized furniture, small refrigerators for snacks, modest equipment for warming food and water, and an inviting outdoor play area.

Caregivers talk and listen to infants, engaging them in back and forth “conversations” throughout the day. They sing lullabies, read books, and discuss their activities with infants, supporting their language development. They also help them get exercise by encouraging their infants to move and explore their surroundings, while also helping them learn how to interact with others and solve problems through structured games that teach about cause and effect.

During this time of rapid growth, it is crucial to keep one eye on the big picture. For example, the study highlights how important it is to promote quality in family child care (FCC) and center-based programs that serve infants and toddlers, particularly at a time when many programs are closing because of COVID-19. It is imperative that FCCs and centers are supported with adequate compensation, training, and managerial support that respond to the unique needs of infants and toddlers in these settings.

A few key ways you can find quality child care for your infant or toddler are to ask about the age of the oldest child in the center or FCC, what percentage of teachers have been working there for a long time, and how many children each teacher has under her care. You can also look for a program that offers a clean, safe environment with low staff turnover, where teachers build strong relationships with the infants and toddlers in their care. In addition, look for a program that provides a variety of learning opportunities, such as music and movement, block-building, art and sensory experiences, and independent free play. This way, your child will be well-equipped to transition to preschool with the necessary skills and confidence they need.