INTRODUCTION
Teaching Infant & toddlers Education
The initial years of life (birth to three years) are critical periods of development when children grow at an incredibly fast pace in all areas of development, including physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional. These years are crucial for brain development, learning, wellbeing, and future outcomes, as early experiences and responsive relationships impact the brain (Harding, 2023). The role of early childhood teachers in setting up children's learning spaces to be safe, cared-for and stimulating and to encourage children to learn through play, exploration and meaningful interaction is important (Pendergast & Garvis, 2023).
There are a number of developmental theories that provide the basis for effective infant and toddler education. Attachment Theory emphasises the importance of secure and responsive relationships to help children develop in a way that builds their confidence and emotional wellbeing. According to Piaget's cognitive development theory, infants and toddlers learn by actively exploring their surroundings, using sensory and motor experiences. The Sociocultural Theory of Vygotsky further supports that learning is a social process that depends on adults' guidance and the Ecological Systems Theory of Bronfenbrenner highlights the importance of families, communities, and external environmental factors influencing children's learning (Garvis et al., 2019).
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) Version 2.0 is the framework that underpins high quality early childhood education in Australia and focuses on the Early Years principles of Belonging, Being and Becoming. The framework provides for play-based learning, intentional teaching, inclusive practices, and good partnerships with families to foster children's overall development and wellbeing (Australian Government Department of Education, 2022). When educators use evidence-based theories and incorporate responsive pedagogy, they can offer babies and toddlers meaningful learning experiences that offer support in their curiosity, development, and lifelong learning (Kaywork, 2020).
Infant-Toddler Education Teaching
Responsive, respectful and intentional relationships with children are the foundation of effective teaching for infants and toddlers and foster children's learning, development and wellbeing. Instead of formal instruction, teachers design relevant learning experiences and opportunities for children's play, daily routines and positive interactions which meet children's interests, strengths and needs (Pendergast & Garvis, 2023).
Infants and toddlers education is deeply rooted in responsive pedagogy. Children's cues are observed and responded to consistently by educators; educators provide secure relationships which foster confidence and emotional wellbeing. Children learn a sense of belonging as a result of these trusting relationships and are able to explore their environment (Kaywork, 2020).
Play is acknowledged as the child's foremost means of learning. Children learn to problem solve, communicate, be creative and independent children through sensory exploration, movement, imitation and hands on experiences (Harding, 2023). Teachers actively build on what has been learned by asking questions, demonstrating language, presenting new materials to children and modifying activities to match their developmental levels.
Continuous assessment and observation are key teaching and learning tools. The observation of children's interests, abilities and progress enables educators to plan for meaningful experiences that contribute to children's overall learning and development in all learning areas (Garvis et al., 2019). Home partnerships further enhance teaching by reinforcing children's routines, cultures, languages and individual needs are valued within the learning environment.
Good early learning and childcare also supports inclusive practice, in which all children are valued and given equal opportunities to participate and achieve. Responsive relationships, intentional teaching, play-based learning, and family partnerships work together to provide educators with the opportunity to shape children's curiosity, confidence, wellbeing and love of learning as outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 (Australian Government Department of Education, 2022).