Building Brains from the Start: Infant Brain Development in Everyday Care

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If you have questions or comments, you can communicate with your instructor by email at professionaldevelopment@clarendonees.org.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Completeall lessons and activities.
2. Share your thoughts on the Course Discussion Boardwhen required in the lessons by responding to the instructor’s questions. Feel free to offer positive comments to other participants! You must engage with the Discussion Board to pass the course.
3. Complete the Knowledge Check.
4. Complete the Course Evaluation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

PARTICIPANTS WILL:

1. Describe the basic process of infant brain development, including how neural connections are formed in the first three years of life.
2. Explain the concept of serve-and-return interactions and how responsive caregiving supports healthy brain architecture.
3. Identify how everyday caregiving routines (feeding, soothing, talking, and play) influence brain development.
4. Recognize the impact of stress on infant brain development, including the difference between positive stress and toxic stress.
5. Apply practical, relationship-based strategies to support secure attachment, emotional regulation, and early learning in infant care settings.
6. Reflect on current caregiving practices and identify one or more strategies to strengthen brain-based care, including in mixed-age environments.