Pedagogy and Teaching strategies for Infants & Toddlers (0–3 years) 

Core Pedagogical Principles 

  • Relationship-based pedagogies (Bowlby, 1969; EYLF V2.0, Department of Education, 2022)

    Primary caregiver/key educator systems to support secure attachment. (Ainsworth 1978; Rockel 2009.)

    Responsive, engaging, sensitive interactions.( Dalli et al. (2011)

    Care moments as curriculum, nappy changes, feeding, and sleep routines as rich opportunities for language, connection, and co-regulation (Gonzalez-Mena & Eyer, 2018).

    Play-based and sensory learning—heuristic play, treasure baskets, messy play, movement exploration (Goldschmied & Jackson 2004).

    Co-regulation and emotional safety: adults assist children in regulating big feelings by being calm and using predictable responses.

    Respect for agency and autonomy: offering choices supports independence (Montessori, 1967/1995).

    Cultural and family partnerships encompass family languages, songs, caregiving practices where possible (EYLF V2.0, 2022).

Teaching Strategies (Birth–3) 

Responsiveness to Cues

0–12 months: Caregivers respond promptly to crying and gaze and body language cues. Ainsworth, 1978 1–2 years: They identify actions: “You’re reaching for the ball.” 2–3 years: Feelings are identified and comfort is offered: “You look frustrated. Do you want help?

Language Scaffolding

Educators narrate care routines for infants. For toddlers, they use simple phrases and choices. By 2–3 years, they extend children’s sentences: “You shared the blocks today—that was kind.”

Environment Design

Infants investigate soft mats, mobiles and mirrors (Montessori, 1967/1995). For the 1 – 2 year olds, low shelves and open-ended materials invite independence. By age 2 – 3 years, spaces include discernable areas such as dramatic play, art and construction.

Documentation and Planning

For infants, photos are shared by educators with brief notes. For toddlers, learning stories feature emerging skills. By 2–3 years, documentation includes simple child voice, such as “My turn!

Partnerships with Families 

  • Honour cultural approaches to caregiving involving feeding, comfort and rest routines EYLF V2.0, 2022

    Daily communication through handover notes, photos, apps, and diaries.

    Invite the family to share:

    Songs, rhymes and home-language stories

    Photos representing family, community and country.

Using Routines as Curriculum 

  • Feeding / mealtimes 
  • Social learning (turn-taking, conversation) 
  • Numeracy (counting spoons, cups) 
  • Language (naming foods, colours) 
  • Nappy changes 
  • Attachment and trust 
  • Body autonomy and consent (“I’m going to change your nappy now. Is that okay?”) 
  • Sleep / rest 
  • Emotional safety and self-regulation routines 
  • Calming songs, stories, and breathing together