What you will learn
- Build on professional criteria for the early childhood field (e.g., NAEYC, CDA, and more), state core knowledge and competency areas, and alignment with observation tools (e.g., ITERS and CLASS), and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
- Advance specialized knowledge and skills for effective interactions and teaching.
- Focus on infant-toddler pedagogy—the method and practice of teaching
- Explore the unique needs of multilingual, multicultural families and children from populations facing risk factors
Designed for
All professionals supporting infant-toddler education, including early childhood educators, adult educators (coaches, trainers, specialists), administrators and program directors.
Overview
Infant–toddler educators play a vital role in shaping early development. The ZERO TO THREE Critical Competencies for Infant-Toddler Educators provide clear, practical guidance to support this work by translating research into concrete, everyday teaching practices.
The ZERO TO THREE Critical Competencies for Infant-Toddler Educators offer a comprehensive suite of professional development products and services designed to build essential knowledge and skills through flexible, user-friendly formats.
The model and framework define the specific knowledge and practices educators need to support strong teacher-child interactions and foster healthy development for infants and toddlers, now and into the future.
Critical Competencies Trainings and Learning Options
Contact us to learn more about the Critical Competencies offerings and for customized packages that meet your specific needs.
- Webinar Series
- Online Learning Course and Micro-Courses
- Intentional Teaching Series
- Facilitator Training for Community of Practice
- Coaching Program
- Facilitator Training for Parent Cafe
- Training-of-Trainers (ToT)
- Course Curriculum e-Resources
- Technical Assistance
What do the Critical Competencies do?
Get practical, evidence-based guidance on infant-toddler pedagogy to support educators working with diverse, multilingual and high-needs populations in group settings, aligned with national standards, state competencies and key observation frameworks.
- Focus on infant-toddler pedagogy — the method and practice of teaching
- Explore the unique needs of multilingual, multicultural families and children from populations facing risk factors
- Describe the recommended teaching methods and practices with easily understood guidance and examples
- Feature considerations for working with high-needs populations and multi-language learners
- Support educators who work in group settings (center-based and family child care homes) with infants, toddlers, or both
- Build on professional criteria for the early childhood field (e.g., NAEYC, CDA, and more), are cross-walked with state core knowledge and competency areas, and align with observation tools (e.g., ITERS and CLASS), and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework
"The curriculum helps early childhood educators use evidence-based practices to bring more intentionality and more thoughtful connections to support children’s social emotional, cognitive, and language development."
Looking for resources to share?
Grounded in ZERO TO THREE’s Critical Competencies for Infant-Toddler Educators™, Critical Connections Parent Leaflets are designed to strengthen engagement with families and show how everyday interactions support babies’ and toddlers’ development. Each leaflet highlights real-life moments between caregiver and child, helping you spark conversations that build caring, nurturing relationships.
Email bookstore@zerotothree.org to order yours today!
The Competency Model
The Critical Competencies address three essential learning and development areas:
Understanding what promotes social-emotional, cognitive, and language/literacy development gives the adult tools to support the developing child.
Looking for something different?
Prepare for opportunities in early childhood disciplines, meet state requirements, and improve service quality with our competency-based professional development.