Effective, nurturing, and responsive teaching practices and interactions are key for all learning in early childhood settings. They foster trust and emotional security; are communication and language rich; and promote critical thinking and problem-solving. They also support social, emotional, behavioral, and language development; provide supportive feedback for learning; and motivate continued effort. Teaching practices and interactions are responsive to and build on each child’s pattern of development and learning. They can be measured by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) and other adult-child interaction tools. These observations may then be used to support professional development. Teaching practices also include how schedules and routines are carried out, how settings are managed, and how children’s challenging behaviors are addressed.
Creating a supportive, inclusive environment can prevent challenging behaviors in preschool-aged children. This special Teacher Time episode focuses on useful tips for setting up the physical environment, establishing routines, making expectations clear, and more.
This Parallel Play episode focuses on the development of self-regulation in the toddler years and the important role adults play in co-regulation. Learn ways to reframe the “terrible twos” to the “thoughtful twos.”
This Teacher Time episode focuses on Approaches to Learning. Learn more about creativity in infants and toddlers and teaching practices that enhance their development.
In this Preschool Approaches to Learning episode, explore how creativity helps children develop analytical thinking, communication, and social skills with peers and adults — skills essential for school readiness.
Explore how teachers and family child care providers can prepare learning environments and experiences for infants and toddlers that help them develop initiative and curiosity.
Discover strategies to support initiative and independence in preschool-aged children by building on their eagerness to ask questions, play, and learn.
Join a discussion on the importance of cognitive self-regulation skills — often referred to as executive functioning — for infants and toddlers and learn ways to support their development.
Conexiones webinars support the growth and development of children and their families. It is intended for teachers, family service providers, and other early childhood professionals who are Spanish speakers.
Explore resources about social and emotional development and learning that can lead to positive outcomes for children and families.
Check out these resources that Head Start directors, education managers, coaches, teachers, and other education staff can use to improve teacher-child interactions in the CLASS® Instructional Support domain.