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(Unit 8) Topic 1: The Whole Child 

4 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Serve and Return

​Topic 1 Page 34

​Serve and return is also referred to as call and response or reciprocity. These terms are one in the same for this consideration and concern the back and forth relationship between baby and caring adult. When an infant cries, an adult reacts in an appropriate manner, feeding, comforting, or changing a diaper. This reaction is both expected and critical for the child’s rapidly developing brain and their own healthy development socially and emotionally. 

Science and medical research has shown repeatedly that the concept of spoiling a child by reacting to their cries or coos is a complete myth. In fact, neuroscience and research about the infant brain has reflected quite the opposite. When those cues and needs are not met by caring and trusting adults, the infant brain experiences high levels of stress which can inhibit healthy brain development. ​

Through quality interactions with caring and nurturing individuals, a child’s early brain structure is set up with a foundation for success that will benefit them as they continue to grow and develop. These quality interactions extend past infancy and benefit all children. Most early childhood professionals are very skilled at interacting with children but for some it is challenging to make a habit. Typically, this challenge comes from lack of experience and comfortability working with children, but cultural differences may also play a role. The key is to respond to the child’s needs in an appropriate manner both with your actions and in time.   

Some suggestions for quality serve and return habits:

Limit screen time
This includes computers and tablets as well! While this is much easier for educators to do, communicate with parents about limiting screen time for all ages of children. It has been shown that baby music videos and apps developed for young ones really don’t benefit the child as much as human interaction. 

Smile
​It sounds silly, but even a smile from a caring adult can benefit a young child. If you are unsure of what to say or do, a smile is always a good option!

Dramatize your interactions 
Make bigger facial expressions, funny sounds, and happy noises when you interact with young infants. They are learning about emotions constantly and often react in predictable ways to certain facial expressions.

Give and take 
This is what serve and return is all about! The child gives (coos, touches, talks) and you take the time to smile, laugh, gently tickle, etc. Infants and toddlers can go for hours responding to your caring reactions. 

Play games
Peek-a-boo is a classic game of serve and return that infants and toddlers alike enjoy very much! Think of simple ways to play games with children that create a feeling of back and forth. 

(Unit 8) Topic 1: The Whole Child ​ * Navigation Menu