This free guide, a collaboration between the Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) at WestEd and Community Playthings, provides practical, research-based information on creating surroundings conducive to high quality infant/toddler care and education.

The guide focuses on the eight essential qualities needed for healthy development in group care environments. Four relate to the needs of infants and their caregivers: Safety, Health, Comfort, and Convenience. The second four support infant development: Child-Size Space, Flexibility, Movement, and Choice.