ROCKING & ROLLING
What
Does Intentionality Look Like in Infant and Toddler Programs?
Rebecca Parlakian
Lynn, the director of an early education program, waits in line for coffee as the person behind her strikes up a conversation. They ask what she does, and she explains that she runs an early education program for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The other person laughs and says,“ Well, I know that 4- and 5-year-olds are getting ready for school, but babies just lie there. Sounds like a pretty easy gig!” Lynn turns to get her coffee and heads back to the center. Too often, this is the reaction she gets in the world outside of early childhood, but she has trouble shaking her frustration today( maybe she needs more coffee!).
When she opens the doors to the center, instead of turning into her office, Lynn walks down the hall to the infant room. She looks in the window and
84 Young Children
Summer 2026