Infant/Toddler Care: Future Considerations in Public Education

Abstract

Information regarding care for infants and toddlers has drastically increased over the last ten years. A review of the advantages and disadvantages of both day care centers and family day care homes provides a good base for designing model care for very young children. Mixed age grouping, continuity of caregivers over at least a two year span, and a home-like environment provide best for the developmental needs of infants and toddlers. There should be a focus on materials and activities that are child-centered and a familiar part of a child's world in an environment with child sized materials and equipment. Public schools and other institutions providing care for young children need to take into consideration the unique needs of infants and toddlers.