Few periods of human development are as precious, transformative, and full of potential as the years from birth through age three. The way children are nurtured, supported, and guided during this time shapes their emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development in fundamental ways. At Laguna Technical College, we offer an Infant Toddler Development Course that combines theory, hands-on practice, and real-world experiences to help caregivers, early childhood professionals, and parents learn how to promote healthy growth in infants and toddlers.
What It Covers
Our course offers 3.0 semester units and is designed for those who are passionate about caring for children aged 0-3 years. Students explore:
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Growth & Milestones: Physical, sensory, motor, and brain development patterns typical in the first three years—what to expect, how to support healthy progress, and how to observe differences.
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Language & Communication: How babies begin to communicate, how caregivers can support early speech, gestures, receptive language, listening, and social interaction.
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Emotional & Social Foundations: Attachment, trust, relationships, self-regulation, and the role of responsive caregiving in helping young children feel safe and secure.
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Curriculum Planning: Designing age-appropriate, nurturing activities; setting up environments that foster exploration, creativity, gentle routines, safety, and discovery.
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Practical Application: Includes classroom lectures plus a hands-on externship: students must have current tuberculin (TB) test and fingerprints completed, then work in a childcare setting under supervision to put learning into action. This helps refine professional habits, safety practices, and caregiving techniques.
Why It Matters
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Critical Brain Development: Neuroscience shows that in the early years, the brain forms neural connections rapidly. The way children are cared for during these first years—through interactions, language, responsive care—lays the foundation for later learning.
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Early Language & Social Skills: Early communication is tied strongly to lifelong ability to communicate, connect with others, and express emotions. Delays or gaps early on can become harder to overcome later.
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Health & Well-Being: Understanding safety, nutrition, emotional well-being, and health practices in the first three years supports physical growth, immune strength, and mental health. It also helps reduce risks in settings where childcare is provided.
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Caregiver Confidence & Professional Growth: For those caring for infants and toddlers—whether in centers or homes—having structured preparation helps provide better care, reduces stress, and builds more positive outcomes for children.
What Makes Laguna Technical College’s Course Unique
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Competency-Based, Hands-On Practice: The externship component gives real experience in licensed childcare settings so learners can apply classroom learning directly.
- Modern Tools & Experienced Instructors: Instructors bring many years of field experience to the classroom, mentoring students in best practices, safety compliance, and nurturing methods.
- Flexible Format: Our structure allows learners to complete course modules at a manageable pace, while meeting the standards required by childcare licensing authorities.
- Job-Relevant Skills: Rather than purely academic theory, our focus is on care practices that are immediately usable—observing, interacting, planning, feeding, safety, designing learning spaces, and supporting language and social growth.
Who Should Enroll
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Caregivers or Assistants working in day-care centers, home-based care, or family childcare settings who want to enhance their skills with infants and toddlers.
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Those Seeking Greater Confidence in caring safely for young children, understanding developmental needs, planning nurturing environments, or preparing to take on leadership/mentor roles in childcare.
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Parents or Future Early Learning Professionals who wish to understand how children grow in the first years, how to support language, emotional, and social growth, and how to build safe, caring, enriching environments at home or work.
What Learners Gain
After successfully completing the course, learners will be able to:
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Identify typical physical, cognitive, language, and social growth supports for young children, and adapt to differences in development.
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Plan, organize, and manage a learning environment and daily routines tailored to children aged 0-3, including safety, nutrition, hygiene, and emotional support.
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Apply methods and practices that support early language, responsive caregiving, healthy attachment, and social interaction.
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Work confidently in childcare settings—meeting external health and safety requirements (such as TB testing and background checks), managing relationships with families, and participating in collaborative care teams.
Enrollment & Next Steps
If you’re ready to begin:
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Request Information — Visit Laguna Technical College’s site or contact our office to get course schedules, externship requirements, and enrollment details.
- Meet Requirements — Ensure TB test and fingerprint clearance are current. These are required prior to the practical portion of the course.
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Begin Coursework — Engage in lecture and online learning, then move into hands-on externship.
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Apply What You Learn — Take new skills into your setting immediately: observing growth, planning activities, nurturing communication, supporting a child’s well-being in those early years.
Final Thoughts
The earliest years of life—birth through age three—are full of potential, discovery, and development. With support, care, and guidance, children in this stage can form strong language foundations, emotional bonds, cognitive growth, and social skills that will serve them throughout life. Laguna Technical College’s Infant Toddler Development Course gives you the knowledge, hands-on experience, and confidence to make a positive difference during this key period. Whether you are caring professionally or at home, this course helps lay the groundwork for children to thrive.
