about the project

The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC), developed collaboratively by WestEd and the California Department of Education, is a comprehensive training system that promotes responsive, caring relationships for infants and toddlers.

Its centerpiece is a series of broadcast quality videos/DVDs in English, Spanish, and Chinese (Cantonese), with accompanying video magazines, guides, and trainer's manuals available in both English and Spanish. The materials are organized into four training modules, based on the latest research and practice.

PITC worked with the Administration for Children, Youth, and Families to develop the Early Head Start program, and has presented training institutes and technical assistance for programs serving families with children from birth to three.

In 2002, the National Center for Children in Poverty selected PITC as a model initiative to support infants, toddlers, and their families.

The Center for Child & Family Studies completed the field-test version of a new home visiting curriculum, and has helped strengthen struggling community-based agencies so they, in turn, can better support families.

The following describes related projects of PITC.

PITC Training Institutes
These two-week double-module training institutes help trainers to:

• incorporate PITC video and print materials in their work with care providers;
• deepen their knowledge of infant/toddler care and development; and
• learn training strategies to meet the needs of adult learners.

Training is available out of state and internationally by special arrangement.

PITC Partners for Quality
Partners for Quality, funded by the California Department of Education, supports family child care and center-based infant/toddler programs throughout every region in California. Partners for Quality staff provide training and technical assistance, implement outreach activities, and work with the PITC Demonstration Programs.

Beginning Together
Funded by the California Department of Education, Beginning Together serves as Module V of the PITC training system, ensuring that the certified trainers in WestEd's Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) have the information and understanding they need to promote quality inclusive practices for children with special needs.

Home Visiting the PITC Way Institute
How can home visitors be most effective in their work with parents on behalf of young children? The Home Visiting the PITC Way Institute combines the child development expertise of PITC with best practices in home visiting. This institute prepares home visitors to support parents in understanding and promoting their children's healthy development.

"Our caregivers were good, but PITC has taken them over the top."

-Joel Gordon, Director, PITC Model Program, Santa Rosa Junior College