"Between the ages of one and three, children go through a distinct stage that every parent knows well--toddlerhood. Primarily concerned with themselves and their immediate worlds, toddlers present special needs to their caregivers. This book outlines a responsive, nondirective approach to help professionals with this unique developmental stage. The authors' approach is child-centered, focusing on the need to let children be themselves in as natural and individual a way as possible, rather than stressing preschool academic achievement. Responsive caregiving--adjusting to the specific needs of the children--requires as much knowledge of psychology, sociology, education, and medicine as directive caregiving. But in addition, the responsive caregiver needs a rarer, higher skill: an ability to follow the toddler's lead."--Back cover.