These interactions are about how the early learning professional (ELP) interacts and facilitated activities to increase participation and engagement. When coaching for this interaction, provide feedback on individualized instruction, independent experiences, and early learning professional-led activities. You can measure how the ELP encourages children to be verbally and physically involved in play and learning.

Explanation Video

In the short informational video Child Engagement (2:27), Diana Aguilar provides an overview of child engagement criteria and the three main sub-criteria which questions the ELP can ask themselves. Diana also provides an example from when she was in a family child care setting.

Infant Exemplar Video

In the video, The Spinner toy (2:08), the ELP sits on the floor, talks, and engages in play with two nonverbal infants using various fine motor toys. Notice how the ELP checks in with the infants and gauges each infant’s interest with the materials throughout the video.

Toddler Exemplar Video

Watch the video Toddlers Painting (2:12) with the ELP leading a small group of children through an activity. Notice how the children are engaged as they actively participate with materials that hold their interest. What do you notice about how the ELP engages with all children?

Preschool Exemplar Video

The video Expand Involvement (2:33) shows a small group of children during free play and the ELP engages in the pretend play, verbally encouraging, asking questions, and individualizing instruction. Notice what happens when children enter and re-enter the dramatic play area and how the ELP responds.

Coaching this Interaction with Wendy Jans

In Coaching Interactions that Support and Promote Child Engagement (8:10), Wendy Jans explains why child engagement is important, what it looks like, and the coaching strategies including instructive coaching prompts.

Slides available: PBC3-CoachingInteractions-ChildEngagement