There's a dizzying array of checklists and evaluation tools on the market that measure almost every detail of the early childhood environment. But, as a director or caregiver, how do you know if the most important piece exploration and learning within a loving, supportive relationship is a part of your program?

In "Best for Babies," Alice Sterling Honig shows you how to nurture the youngest children with: Nourishing interactions; Social-emotional support; Boosts for thinking and reasoning skill development; Support for language development; Appropriate matches between child and activity; Opportunities for creative exploration and pretend play; Positive behavior reinforcement; Child-sensitive classroom pacing; Safe choices and opportunities for autonomy; A warm environment where children and families feel welcome.

Alice Sterling Honig, PhD, professor emerita in the Syracuse University department of child and family studies, has devoted her career to discovering ways to best nurture and support the development of infants and toddlers. In Best for Babies, she offers a wealth of suggestions, tips, and advice for providing the very best of care for our youngest children.