Research suggests high-quality care and learning programs that begin early in life have the potential to improve developmental outcomes as well as close gaps in academic achievement for young children. This is especially true when the care is relationship-based.

Co-written by Kerry Kriener-Althen, Director of the Center for Child & Family Studies Evaluation Team at WestEd, this brief describes relationship-based care practices and the research supporting the need for quality relationships in infant and toddler care.

Visit the Including Relationship-Based Care Practices in Infant-Toddler Care: Implications for Practice and Policy resource page for more information and to download your copy.