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• The intentional caregiver possesses a wide range of knowledge. She knows and follows the “windows of opportunity” from early brain development research. She understands how to accommodate individual differences among little ones with different temperaments, personality styles, and learning styles.
• An intentional caregiver provides a balance of classroom experiences so that children and caregiver take turns leading activities.
Using neuroscience as a guide
When caregivers use the guidelines provided by the “Windows of Opportunity,” they create a purposeful classroom. The information in these developmental timetables are based on scientific research. They are the same for all children no matter where they are born. They are the same for all children whether they are born on time, prematurely, or with developmental delays. The “windows” open at birth and “wire” with experience until puberty. All future wiring will be based on this foundation. The chart below shows the fertile time for wiring in each domain, as well as the optimumtime for reinforcing the wiring with repetition and practice.
As you can see, infant and toddler caregivers play a crucial role in the lifelong learning of each child in their care. The initial wiring for all domains is forged between birth and age three. Infant and toddler caregivers write on the soul of every child they encounter.
• In the opening scenario for this article, Ms. Rose effectively used information from the “windows” and applied that information to her interactions with Audrey. Ms. Rose managed to include at least one activity to promote development in all five domains.
• Ms. Rose spoke to Audrey to let her know that she noticed that Audrey was awake. Ms. Rose told Audrey, “I’ll be there in a minute.” (trust/attachment)
• Ms. Rose smiled and hugged Audrey when she picked Audrey up from her crib. (trust/attachment)
• Ms. Rose sang a song to Audrey as she held Audrey and walked with her to the changing table. (early sounds)
• Ms. Rose talked with Audrey during diaper changing. (vocabulary)
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