The number of very young children entering center-based child care programs is growing. Now, more than ever, it is important for caregivers to understand the impact they have on the healthy development of the children in their care. "Emotional Connections" translates new research on cognitive, social, and emotional development in the early years into the language of daily caregiving and teaching. The authors give trainers the information and tools they need to teach infant-toddler caregivers how to build responsive relationships with very young children and their families. They show how positive relationships are the context for helping babies and toddlers learn, communicate, and regulate behavior. "Emotional Connections" materials are designed to supplement comprehensive training curricula, such as the Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers (PITC). Each of the student guide's 10 chapters presents key concepts in accessible language, with many caregiving vignettes as illustration. Developed for use as a training resource in a variety of pre-service and in-service settings (community colleges, certification programs, center-based workshops, etc.), "Emotional Connections" is also an effective self-study resource. A list of references and a glossary are included. [For Instructor's Guide, see ED500098.]