The early years are marked by rapid biological, social, emotional, and cognitive development. For example, infants are born with few capacities to control their behaviors or emotions (e.g., soothe themselves when distressed), but by the time they are five many children are able to wait their turn, share their toys, and sit still to listen to a story. This workshop will help practitioners better understand typical developmental processes, and the general timing of developmental milestones. Further, for children to reach their full potential they require specific kinds of experiences and stimulations. For example, a child’s development of emotional control is strongly influenced by their parents’ ability to sensitively respond to their emotional needs. This curriculum will also describe the contexts that support children’s optimal development.