Sustaining High-Quality Interactions with Infants and Toddlers during COVID-19 Deb Norris December 10, 2020

Due to COVID-19, the Vermont Department of Health has intensified hygiene requirements and placed restrictions on many common early childhood practices. While we know these changes are necessary in order to help keep everyone healthy and safe, the added responsibilities can feel burdensome during an already busy day. You may wonder how to fulfil all of these increased health expectations, and still provide infants and toddlers with a variety of learning experiences. This training will explore ways to sustain positive interactions, closeness, and essential learning moments with infants and toddlers during these times of masking and never-ending cleaning chores. The authors of the CLassroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and the Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scale (ITERS) have responded to the pandemic, and offer recommendations for sustaining high-quality interactions and practices during these times. We will discuss these recommendations, and share ideas that help minimize challenges and promote enriching experiences during this pandemic.