Individualizing Routines and Partnering with Families
Effective Curriculum: Designing and Implementing Meaningful Learning for Every Child
Essential Elements of Infant Curriculum
Individualizing Routines and Partnering with Families
Jennifer M. Longley and Jennifer Gilken
Although many states certify teachers to work with children from birth( CSCCE et al. 2020), research suggests that states do not focus on preparing early childhood educators to work with our youngest citizens( Chu 2016; Gilken et al. 2023). More than 50 percent of infants and toddlers in the United States are cared for by people other than their parents, frequently not at home( Mamedova & Redford 2015; Cole et al. 2023). Because of programming’ s significant impact on infants( defined as children ages birth to 12 months), those who work with them need specialized training and skills( McMullen & Apple 2012; Lee et al. 2016; Polk & Bogard 2016).( See“ Marginalization of Infant Teachers” on page 29 for more on the status and needs of infant educators.)
This early period is a crucial time because significant brain growth happens during the first three years, when synapses and neural connections are formed fastest( Lally & Mangione 2017). Furthermore, the quality of early learning programs, including their curriculum, impacts children’ s development and health
28 Young Children
Summer 2025