Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC)

Research shows that infants and toddlers need strong, positive, loving relationships with their parents, caregivers, and teachers for their healthy development.

The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC), developed by WestEd, provides caregivers and early childhood education center directors with knowledge and strategies for quality infant and toddler care that is grounded in research on child development.

As specialists in training and in early education and care, we are pleased to have three certified PITC trainers on staff. We are therefore able to bring you this training at times and places that are convenient for you.

Audience:

• Early childhood caregivers and administrators

Goals:

• To increase high quality care for infants and toddlers
• To increase infant and toddler learning through responsive, loving, and caring environments

Benefits:

• Trainers can address issues specific to the culture of your center
• Trainers are current on the latest research and present information in a way that is practical  for your center
• Children’s cultural identity is strengthened because providers learn how to make meaningful connections between themselves and the child’s family
• Caregivers learn how to work responsively with children with special needs

How it Works:

• Providers and administrators attend 8 hours of group meetings, often through 2 half-day sessions over the course of one month for each of the modules
• Training materials include videos, guides, and hand-outs that provide a foundation for a style of care that focuses on following the child’s lead
• Participants study the children in their care and reflect on and record information about the children’s interests and skills
• Based on their observations and reflections, participants learn how to set the stage for the children’s next learning encounters

Choose one or more modules:

Cost varies according to how sessions are delivered, plus travel expenses for locations beyond the greater Rochester, NY area.

Module I — Social-Emotional Growth and Socialization: Focuses on foundations of center-based care with nurturing relationships, guidance and discipline, understanding children’s behavior, the role of temperaments, and social-emotional milestones.

Module II — Philosophical Foundations of Caring for Infants and Toddlers in Groups: Focusing on environments, routines, and the fundamentals of primary care and continuity of care.

Module III — Learning and Development: Focuses on brain development in infancy, discoveries of infancy, language and communication, and special needs.

Module IV — Culture, Family and Providers: Focuses on protective urges, culturally responsive care, and creating positive parent-caregiver relationships.