Path 2: Temperament
This learning path explores different types of temperaments and defining characteristics. Topics include an overview of temperament and strategies to assist early interventionists in their work.
To get credit for this learning path, you must complete the 5 activities below, then take a quiz to test your knowledge. Once you have completed the learning path and scored at least 80% on the quiz, you will have access to a certificate of completion.
Total time to complete the learning path: 2 hours

Activity 1
Watch the archived Talks on Tuesday webinar, Foundations of Social Emotional Development: TEMPERAMENT (VEIPD, runtime 1:02:09)
This webinar explores temperament as part of the foundation of social emotional development. The five primary characteristics of temperament are described while offering strategies for supporting infants, toddlers, and their caregivers.
Instructions: Download the two handouts and review while listening to the webinar. After downloading the handouts, click the link above. Click play to launch the YouTube archived recording.
Handout #1: Temperament: Thinking About Your Child | Handout #2: Temperament: Parent Handout

Activity 2
Watch the video, Temperament, heredity and genes (Khan Academy, runtime 9:27)
This video describes the intersectionality between heredity and genes and the impact on temperament.
Instructions: Click the link above to access the video.

Activity 3
Watch the video, Child Temperament: How We Start To Become Ourselves (TedX Talks, runtime 10:02)
Dr. David Rettew describes temperament and how environmental factors can contribute to a child’s responses. The role of parenting on temperament is also discussed.
Instructions: Click the link above to access the video.

Activity 4
Read the article, Understanding “Goodness of Fit” (The Center for Parenting Education)
This article explores the concept of ‘goodness of fit’ between environments and people from a caregiver lens while providing tips and strategies for considerations and support.
Instructions: Click the link above to access the article. Reflect on the tips and how you can integrate them into your practices.

Activity 5
Read the Understanding Temperament in Infants and Toddlers article (Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning)
This What Works Brief from the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning provides important clarifications about temperament types and how different situations may affect varying responses. A vignette and strategies are included.
Instructions: Click the link above. It will directly open to the article. Read the article.
Quiz
Complete the Quiz
You must achieve a score of at least 80% on the quiz to receive a certificate of completion. This certificate will document 2 professional development (PD) hours.