Related Early Childhood Sites

- California Early Childhood Mentor Program (CECMP)Mentorship and leadership program that strengthens the early learning & care workforce by connecting experienced professionals with those new to the field
- California Early Childhood Online (CECO)Online learning system offers professional development modules for early childhood educators
- California Early Learning VideosVideo resources demonstrating best practices in early childhood education
- California Preschool Instructional Network (CPIN)Provides professional development, instructional support and resources for preschool educators
- CDSS LEAD Office Quality InitiativesProfessional Development and coaching resources to strengthen early childhood program administration
- Child Development Training Consortium (CDTC)Provides services, training, and career advancement resources for early childhood students and professionals
- Family Child Care at Its Best (FCCB)Research-based workshops for family child care providers to improve quality care
- Personalized Oral Language Learning (POLL) StrategiesStrategies to support and strengthen multilingual learning and language development for dual languages learners from infancy through preschool in all early learning and care settings
- Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC)Training and resources specifically focused on quality care for infants and toddlers
- All About Young ChildrenTools and resources to support families’ understanding of young children’s development and early learning
- My Child Care PlanTool for families to search and find licensed child care options
- Resource and Referral NetworkHelps connect families find child care and provides support to child care providers. Provides support to child care providers such as training, licensing guidance, and quality improvement
- TrustlineBackground check system for nannies, babysitters, and license- exempt child care providers
- Beginning TogetherResources for inclusive practices supporting children with disabilities and their families
- California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation NetworkSupports mental health and well-being for young children through consultation services, resources and training activities for child care and early education providers in all settings
- California Making Access Possible (MAP) to Inclusion and BelongingProvides a clearinghouse of resources to support the inclusion of young children with disabilities or delays in child care, preschool, or out-of-school time programs
- California Teaching PyramidSystematic framework, training, and resources for supporting social-emotional development and addressing challenging behaviors
- CDSS DLL ResourcesStrategies and tools to support dual language learners and promote multilingual development in early childhood settings
- CDSS Early Learning PublicationsEarly Learning publications and resources from the California Department of Social Services
- CDSS QIS RevisionsUpdates and guidance on California’s Quality Improvement System revisions
- CompSATEarly learning and care self-assessment toolkit that accompanies the ECE Competencies
- Desired Results (DR) Field TrainingStatewide trainings that help early childhood administrators and staff use the Desired Results system and DRDP assessment tool to improve child development outcomes
- Quality Counts California (QCC)California’s quality improvement system (QIS) for early learning programs

Your child from 4–11 Months

Language Development

How do children develop language?

How do children develop language?

Interacting with caregivers who are talking to them about their world
Responding to familiar words
Babbling with varied sounds or hand shapes
Imitating the rhythm and tone of people speaking or signing
Following someone’s point or gaze

Each child develops at their own pace and may show some skills earlier or later than others; the videos provide a few examples of how children may demonstrate these skills and concepts.

When to Seek Support

How do children understand the language used around them?

Children develop the ability to understand a growing number of sounds and words—oral, signed, or both.

What do you notice about where the children focus, such as the caregiver’s face, hands, or voice?

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Descriptive Audio

Foundation 1.1: Being Attentive to Communication

4–11 Months

Additional Videos

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Foundation 1.2: Understanding Language

4–11 Months

How do children communicate their needs, wants, and interests?

Children communicate their needs, wants, and interests by making sounds or hand shapes.

What are the children interested in, and how do you know?

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Descriptive Audio

Foundation 2.1: Communicating and Speaking

4–11 Months

Additional Videos

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Foundation 2.2: Emerging Conversation Skills

4–11 Months

How do children make sense of books and stories?

Children make sense of literacy activities by watching or interacting with caregivers. For example, children listen to a caregiver rhyme or explore books and pictures with a caregiver.

How do caregivers encourage children’s interest in literacy activities?

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Descriptive Audio

Foundation 3.1: Engagement With Books, Stories, Songs, and Rhymes

4–11 Months

Additional Videos

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Descriptive Audio

Foundation 3.2: Understanding Meaning From Books and Stories

4–11 Months

Select a different age period within the domain Language Development

What else is your child learning from 4–11 months?

Additional Resources

When to Seek Support

Infant–Toddler Videos