Infant/Toddler (0-3 Years)

Research has shown how critical the first years of life are to future learning. From infancy to age three, parents, providers and educators are key to providing quality early experiences for our youngest learners.

As parents and child care providers observe a child learn to walk, talk and explore the world, it is important that they observe whether the child is meeting normal developmental benchmarks. When worried about a child's growth and development it is important to find services to support the child's early learning.

Resources

Early Learning and Development Guidelines

An Introduction for Parents to the Washington State Early Learning and Development Benchmarks (PDF)

Ten Simple Ways to Encourage Learning - Foundation for Early Learning

Infant and Toddlers - Washington State Department of Early Learning

Born Learning - United Way of America, the Ad Council, Civitas and Families and Work Institute

Special Services for Young Children

Washington state supports assessment and intervention services to young children through the public schools. Infants and toddlers who are not meeting normal milestones/benchmarks for physical, social, emotional, communication (speech & language), or cognitive (thinking and learning) development may be eligible to receive early intervention services.

Parents and providers who are worried about a child's development should talk with the local school district about screening, assessment and special services.

Early Childhood Special Education - Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Early Support For Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) - Washington State Department of Early Learning (Previously the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ITEIP) at Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.)

Supporting Children with Special Needs - Washington State Department of Early Learning.