Texas Infant, Toddler, and Three-Year-Old Early Learning Guidelines

The original ITELG was published in 2013 through a statewide collaborative effort led by the Texas Early Learning Council. In 2026, the Texas Infant-Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN) led a comprehensive revision process to update and expand the Guidelines based on current research and best practices. The updated Guidelines were developed through collaboration among the Children’s Learning Institute, ITSN, the Texas Workforce Commission, and stakeholders across Texas, including educators, administrators, specialists, policymakers, and early childhood leaders. Feedback gathered throughout the revision process informed new content, updated resources, and enhanced caregiver strategies.

The updated ITELG includes:

• New sections on Early Brain Development and Young Children and Digital Media
• Expanded guidance for supporting Multilingual Learners (MLLs)
• Updated developmental examples and caregiver strategies
• Enhanced resources for families and early childhood professionals
• Refreshed content addressing developmental differences and disabilities
• Current research and evidence-based practices throughout the Guidelines

Vision

All young children grow and thrive in their families and communities.

Mission

To provide families, caregivers, educators, specialists, and policymakers with practical, evidence-based guidance that supports healthy development, responsive caregiving, and high-quality early learning experiences for Texas children from birth to 48 months.

The ITELG are designed to:

• Be evidence-based and recognize children’s individuality and unique developmental pathways.
• Respect and support family cultures, languages, and diverse family structures.
• Promote inclusive practices for children with developmental differences, disabilities, or delays.
• Connect developmental milestones to responsive caregiving practices that support learning, health, and well-being.
• Serve as a practical resource for families, educators, specialists, administrators, and policymakers.

The Guidelines Are:

• An evidence-informed framework for understanding early development.
• A tool to guide adult interactions and caregiving practices.
• A resource that supports warm, responsive relationships and learning opportunities.
• Flexible for use across home, child care, and community settings.

The Guidelines Are Not:

• A developmental checklist.
• An assessment or screening tool.
• A prescribed curriculum.
• A one-size-fits-all approach to child development