What is the main source of learning for children during their infant and toddler years?

During the infant and toddler years, the main source of learning is through relationships with parents and caregivers. This stage of development is crucial as young children are highly influenced by their immediate environment, particularly the interactions they have with the significant adults in their lives.

The emotional bonds formed during this time provide a secure base from which children can explore the world around them. Through responsive and nurturing caregiving, parents and caregivers model behaviors, provide guidance, and create opportunities for learning. This secure attachment encourages children to engage in social interactions, language development, and emotional regulation, all of which are fundamental to their overall development.

In contrast, formal education settings typically do not play a significant role until children reach preschool age, and learning through television and media can lack the interactive and personal engagement that is so essential during these early years. While children do learn through exploration, that exploration is often facilitated and enriched by the supportive relationships they have with their caregivers, making these connections the cornerstone of their early learning experiences.