These interactions are about how the early learning professional (ELP) supports children’s development by connecting and expanding on their learning experiences. When coaching for this interaction, provide feedback on how the ELP maximizes children’s cognitive development by encouraging and supporting higher level thinking, working memory, and problem solving.

Explanation Video

In the informational video (3:39), Amber Leslie provides an overview of the video highlights criteria: Supporting Development. She explains the four components of supporting development and strategies that ELPs will use with children.

Infant Exemplar Video

In Extending Learning with Infants (1:45), the ELP sits with two infants on the floor, engaging in play with a variety of materials. Notice how the ELP connects to infants’ learning to experiences and expands on the children’s actions by talking.

Toddler Exemplar Video

Watch the video, Exploring Shapes and Sounds (2:09), and notice how the ELP assists a toddler in stacking cups and supporting development by naming colors, shapes, and size.

Preschool Exemplar Video

In the video Cultural Diversity 2 (2:42), the ELP leads a whole group activity connecting learning to previous experiences and supporting critical thinking by asking questions.

Coaching this Interaction with Wendy Jans

In Coaching for Interactions that Support Child Development (8:57), Wendy talks about why it’s important to engage in interactions that support child development, what those interactions look like in general, strategies that educators can use, and how coaches can guide educators through an instructive session on supporting child development.

Slides available: PBC3-CoachingInteractions-SupportChildDevelopment