This recorded session is the third in a series of online conversations, Providing Culturally Responsive and Individualized Infant and Toddler Care, that highlights both scholarly and practitioner perspectives on the importance of providing culturally responsive and individualized infant and toddler care. Led by Peter Mangione, Senior Director of Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives at WestEd, guest speakers and PITC staff share their perspectives from the lens of both research and program practice.
The conversations focus on a range of topics including:
- Creating inclusive infant and toddler care settings
- Promoting early language development and communication for dual language learners
- Promoting responsive relationships and learning in-home- and center-based settings
- Supporting family child-care providers
This archived session features WestEd Senior Research Associate Ann-Marie Wiese and PITC Regional Coordinator Edilma Serna.
Ann-Marie Wiese’s work focuses on issues related to enhancing early learning and care for dual language learners (DLLs). She currently contributes to California’s Master Plan for Early Learning and Care Project and the Preschool Development Grant Renewal Project. Most recently she directed a family engagement initiative serving culturally and linguistically diverse preschool families in state preschool programs. She co-directed the project that led to the development of California’s Best Practices for Young Dual Language Learners Research Overview Papers and the California Preschool Program Guidelines related to DLLs with a series of accompanying videos highlighting program practices and instructional strategies. Wiese led a professional development effort for preschool practitioners with core seminars, on-site coaching, and a self-assessment tool of language and literacy practices to support DLLs. Wiese most recently authored chapters in the Handbook of Research on the Education of Young Children and Advances in Early Education and Day Care.
Edilma Serna provides PITC bilingual training for Center-Based and Family Child Care Programs serving children from birth to three years old. Her past experience includes working in the early childhood field as a teacher and assistant director in her native country of Mexico since 1981. Serna is currently mentoring PITC bilingual and bicultural trainees and infant-toddler specialists in Southern California.
View additional session recordings from this series.
Listen to the Audio Recording
About PITC
At the Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC), we consider a relationship-based approach to caring for infants and toddlers essential. PITC believes responsive, respectful care in a relationship is key for supporting early learning, rather than developing lessons for infants to master. Adults who implement the PITC approach find ways to allow for, expand, adapt, and encourage infants’ efforts to pursue their inborn learning agenda.
To support implementation of PITC, we provide professional development and resources to the early childhood education community. PITC promotes relationship-based care through six essential program policies: Primary Care, Small Groups, Continuity of Care, Individualized Care, Culturally Responsive Care, and Inclusive Care. Learn more at pitc.org.
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