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This series of briefs provides an accessible and usable overview of research on topics related to early learning and child development. They also include resources for families.

Infants and toddlers learn best in environments with caring and responsive adults, where they feel safe and free to explore and learn. Find ways to create an engaging environment for infants and toddlers.

Use the resources on this page to strengthen infant and toddler teaching practices

Read findings, analyses, assessments, and reports about the benefits of successful collaborations between Head Start programs, and child care providers.

Infants depend on their caregivers for food, warmth, and care, and for meeting such basic needs as eating, diapering, sleeping, and bonding. But all babies are unique. Some infants may settle easily and be capable of quickly soothing themselves.

Explore in this News You Can Use how the connections within the brain are created and made strong, the negative impact of chronic stress at an early age, and how caring adults can help even in difficult situations.

The toddler years are a time when children are building skills in all areas. They remember what they learn and share it with others. They understand things more deeply, make choices, and engage with others in new ways.

Early Head Start (EHS) programs serve infants and toddlers under the age of 3, and pregnant women. EHS programs provide intensive comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers and their families, and to pregnant women and their families.

Infants depend on their families for food, warmth, and care, and for meeting such basic needs as eating, diapering, sleeping, bonding, and safety. But all babies are unique. Some infants may settle easily and be capable of quickly soothing themselves.