Infant Toddler Support Network

Our Infant Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN) is a free program that provides support, training and coaching to license-exempt and licensed childcare programs serving children ages birth to 36 months. The goal of the ITSN program is to help increase the quality of infant and toddler care in centers with children enrolled in the Missouri Department of Social Services subsidy program.

The ITSN program provides on-site services that includes individualized consultations, targeted trainings, classroom mentoring and feedback as well as resources and materials to increase the level of quality in infant and toddler classrooms.

One of the major components of the ITSN program is participation in a 6-month cohort training on the Relationship- Based Care Framework and Practices. The six essential practices of the Relationship-Based Care Framework are primary care, continuity of care, individualized care, inclusive care practices, culturally sensitive care and small group size.

ITSN specialists are currently working with 42 infant and toddler classrooms in eight facilities within Greene and Christian counties, with plans for future expansion into Ozark, Polk, Taney and Webster counties.

This is the second year for the Infant Toddler Specialist Network program in the state of Missouri, with plans for future expansion across the state. Funding for the Infant Toddler Specialist Network is provided by the Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division, Early Childhood Section.

To learn more about our ITSN program, contact Connie Harmon at charmon@cpozarks.org or call 417-888-2020.