Social, emotional, intellectual, language, and physical learning are not separated by the infant. Adults are most helpful to the young child when they interact in ways that reflect an understanding that the child is learning from the whole experience not just the part of the experience to which the adult gives attention. Infancy has three stages. Between birth and age three a child goes through three distinct developmental stages. The type of care given should change when the child's stage changes and also take into consideration transitions between stages.
Relationships are primary to development.
The infant is dependent on close, caring, ongoing relationships as the source of positive, physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Infants develop best when they are assured of having a trusted caregiver or caregivers who can read their cues and respond to their needs. Policies that encourage and nurture secure relationships are the backbone of quality care. Infants are developing their first sense of self through contact with others. For this reason it is particularly important that caregivers be carefully selected, and well trained.