Our Philosophy
At the heart of TenderTime™ is the belief that:
“Relationships are the first curriculum.”
When caregivers connect with intention, their relationships become the foundation for meaningful learning experiences. Through thoughtful interactions, reflective practice, and responsive care, educators create environments where children feel safe, valued, and understood. In these nurturing spaces, children are empowered to explore, take risks, and engage deeply with their world which allows confidence to grow, curiosity to flourish, and joy to emerge naturally as part of everyday learning.
TenderTime Foundations curriculum is designed to nurture holistic development in infants and toddlers through a focus on cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language growth. Built on the principles of individualized learning, inclusive care, and culturally responsive practices, this curriculum empowers caregivers to create meaningful, child-centered learning environments.
This program supports educators on their path to earning the CDA credential through a comprehensive 120-hour and 480-hour PRACTICUM Birth–Five course. It offers a clear, standards-based pathway aligned with the Essentials Workbook and meets PHMC PDO, ELRC, DHS, and Keystone STARS requirements. With curriculum, coaching, and assessments, educators build the core skills needed to succeed in early childhood classrooms. At its heart, this program answers: “How do I earn my CDA and develop the essential skills to teach young children with confidence?”
We are looking for early childhood programs that are passionate about providing responsive, relationship-based care to infants and toddlers. Whether you are a center-based or home-based provider, we welcome diverse program types to participate.
Tender Time™ offers a comprehensive curriculum and training series focused on strengthening relationship-based care. The curriculum includes observation and reflection techniques, culturally responsive caregiving, and guidance for daily routines such as toilet training, mealtime practices, and breastfeeding support. The 3-month training series adds ongoing coaching, monthly reflection and feedback sessions, and the use of data-informed tools like TPOT, ITERS-3, custom assessments, and family engagement strategies. Together, these tools empower educators to create warm, responsive, and developmentally supportive environments.
Growing Independence: Gentle and Consistent Toilet Learning
We give guidance on supporting children’s toileting needs with sensitivity, promoting independence, hygiene, and comfort while following developmentally appropriate practices.
Nourishing Moments: Creating Calm, Connected Mealtime Experiences
We provide useful strategies for creating calm, respectful, and engaging mealtime routines that encourage healthy eating habits, autonomy, and positive social interactions.
Feeding With Confidence: Support for Every Breastfeeding Journey
Through our training sessions, gain information on assisting breastfeeding parents through encouragement, practical techniques, and an understanding of how to create a supportive environment for feeding.
Guided Growth: Personalized Coaching for Everyday Excellence
An overview of how to provide continuous, individualized coaching to families or staff to reinforce learning, build skills, and maintain consistent, high-quality care.
Learning in Motion: A 3-Month Path to Reflective, Data-Informed Practice
A guided 3-month program that helps build reflective habits and confidently use data to inform daily decisions. Through observation, analysis, and intentional goal setting, learners strengthen their practice and engage in continuous, responsive improvement.
Spaces That Shape Relationships: Designing Responsive, Child-Centered Environments
Receive tips and tricks on best practices for arranging learning and care environments to promote safety, independence, exploration, and a sense of belonging.
TenderTime™ Beginnings: Professional Practices for CDA Birth - 5 Pathway
TenderTime™: A Relationship-Based Approach to Infant & Toddler Care
