I 8 Introduction I Self-Assessment How Much Do You Understand about Infants? Take a quick self-assessment to see how much you understand about infants. As a veteran early childhood professional, when I created the self-assessment, I was reminded and amazed about infant development, and even surprised me to learn through research a few things I didn’t know. As you read each of the statements below and circle the frequency that best describes your understanding of infants, try to focus on how this information can help you improve your interactions with infants. Be honest with yourself. Just because you know something is good for infants doesn’t mean you always do it. Understanding your current attitudes and actions toward infants is the start- ing point for improving your role as an infant teacher and making sure your interactions are positive and intentional. 1 I know that my interactions with infants literally help to create the formation of their brains. Always   Usually   Sometimes   Never 2 I realize that infants are unique individuals who develop at their own pace and in their own way. winning ways Always   Usually   Sometimes   Never 3 I understand that infants need individualized care and education, not a routine where all the infants do the same thing at the same time. Always   Usually   Sometimes   Never 4 My interactions with infants are positive, frequent, and deliberate. Always   Usually   Sometimes   Never 5 Although infants may not talk, I realize that their communication is complex and intentional. Always   Usually   Sometimes   Never 6 I realize that helping infants learn to move from awake to asleep and back again is an important part of the curriculum for infants. Always   Usually   Sometimes   Never