Creating Small Groups PITC’s Recommendations Developed by Author Janet Poole. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

Reflection In what settings do you feel safe and are able to relax? Under what conditions are you able to learn a new, complex task? How do these needs relate to infants in group care?

What All Infants Need: Nurturance Support Security Predictability Focus Encouragement Expansion

Together In Care Video Clip from Small Groups Section

Key Concepts: Small Groups Small Groups: Have separate self-contained indoor and outdoor space so the group’s contact with other groups is limited throughout the day. Support the development of deep trusting relationships between infants, caregivers, and families. Protect infants & toddlers from over stimulation. The younger the infant, the smaller the group needs to be.

Key Concepts: Small Groups Small Groups: Promote quiet exploration by limiting distractions Allow infants and adults to be more relaxed and experience less stress Reduce the size of the “germ pool,” resulting in fewer illnesses among children and staff

PITC Recommended Group Sizes: Age Group# Infants# CaregiversSq. Ft. Young Infants: sq. ft. Mobile Infants: sq. ft. Toddlers: sq. ft. Mixed Age: sq. ft. Early Head Start: sq. ft.

Additional Strategies If you can’t have full walls, use partial walls at least 4 feet high. Have staff disperse into different areas of the room rather than bunching together. Use small tables for meal time. Use sound absorbing materials such as carpet, fabric wall hangings, and stuffed furniture to absorb sound.