Chapter 2: Infant-Toddler Education Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, observation methods, adult roles, and core concepts from Chapter 2 Infant-Toddler Education.

Philosophy of Education

A set of theories and concepts related to child development and learning.

Infant-Toddler Education

Education occurring in a developmentally appropriate environment involving relationships where respectful, consistent, caring adults support children's individual needs, exploration, discovery, relationships, and problem solving.

Curriculum

A plan for learning that, for infants and toddlers, includes play, exploration, caregiving, relationships, and everyday experiences.

Anecdotal Records

A brief description of a meaningful observation or event.

Running Records

A detailed, objective observation of what happens as it happens.

Daily Logs

Observational records used by caregivers to track feeding, diapering, sleeping, elimination, and important daily events.

Individual Journals

Observational records maintained specifically for an individual child.

Two-Way Journals

Written logs used to exchange information back and forth between a child's family and caregiver.

Documentation

Photos, video, audio, and written records that represent child learning and development.

Developmental Profile

A record providing a comprehensive picture of an individual child's development, interests, needs, abilities, and progress to assist caregivers in individualizing the curriculum.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

Lev Vygotsky's term for the leading edge of learning, growth, and development, describing what a child is ready to learn with appropriate support.

Scaffolding

Giving the smallest amount of help necessary so that a child can continue solving a problem independently.

Active Presence

A mode of caregiver presence where the adult leads or directs interaction with the child.

Receptive Presence

A mode of caregiver presence where the adult follows the child's lead and responds to their actions.

Optimum Stress

The right amount of stress—neither too much nor too little—that energizes and motivates effective problem solving.

Positive Reinforcement

A response to a behavior that strengthens the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.

Feedback

Clear and consistent responses from adults that help children understand cause and effect and the consequences of their actions.

Modeling

Setting an example through behavior so infants and toddlers can learn by observing and imitating.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Educational practice tailored to be appropriate for a child's overall developmental stage.

Individually Appropriate Practice

Educational practice adapted specifically to an individual child's unique needs.

Culturally Appropriate Practice

Educational practice that is respectful of a child's family background and culture.

Young Infants

An approximate age classification spanning from birth to $9\text{ months}$.

Mobile Infants

An approximate age classification spanning from $8$ to $18\text{ months}$.

Toddlers

An approximate age classification spanning from $16$ to $36\text{ months}$.

Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ)

An initiative associated with Geoffrey Canada that includes programs such as Baby College and offers comprehensive family support.

Early Head Start

A program serving low-income infants, toddlers, and their families by providing comprehensive services and family support.