How to Choose the Right Curriculum for a Mixed-Age Infant and Toddler Classroom

Choosing the right curriculum for a mixed-age infant and toddler classroom is no small task. With children developing rapidly—and often on very different timelines—teachers and caregivers need tools that are flexible, individualized, and responsive. The most effective curriculum options offer adaptable daily plans, clear progressions of learning, and strong alignment with formative assessment. Together, these elements empower teachers to meet each child’s unique developmental needs while managing the complexity of a mixed-age environment.

What Is a Mixed-Age Classroom?

A mixed-age classroom is an early learning environment where children of different ages—often infants and toddlers—are cared for and taught together. Rather than separating children strictly by age, mixed-age classrooms group them based on broader developmental stages or practical needs, such as mobility or similar care routines.

Why Are Mixed-Age Classrooms Common in Infant/Toddler Settings?

Mixed-age infant and toddler classrooms are common for several reasons.

• Classroom ratios: Licensing and quality standards allow for specific adult-to-child ratios that need to be maintained even with children of different ages.
• Enrollment flexibility: Programs often enroll children year-round. Mixed-age grouping can make room assignments and transitions smoother.
• Continuity of care: Keeping infants and toddlers with the same caregiver for a longer period supports stronger relationships and more consistent developmental support.

Key Curriculum Challenges in Mixed-Age Classrooms

Mixed-age classrooms bring rich opportunities—but also real challenges.

• Wide developmental range: An 8-month-old and a 30-month-old have vastly different needs and capabilities. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work.
• Planning complexity: Caregivers must design learning experiences that meet individual children where they are while still managing group routines and transitions.
• Limited time: Daily planning and documentation take time—time that’s scarce in busy infant/toddler settings.

5 Features to Look for in a Mixed-Age Infant and Toddler Curriculum

When evaluating curricula for a mixed-age classroom, look for these key features.

1. Adaptable Daily Plans by Age and Developmental Level 
Daily routines and experiences should be flexible enough to support young infants, mobile infants, and toddlers—without requiring caregivers to create separate plans from scratch.

2. Built-In Flexibility for Routines and Transitions 
Young children thrive with predictable routines, but these must allow for natural variations in feeding, napping, and engagement across different age-groups.

3. Individualized Learning Goals Tied to Developmental Progressions 
Look for individualized learning resources that are grounded in developmentally appropriate practice and reflect how children grow across domains. A strong curriculum includes clear progressions of learning to support every child’s path.

4. Integrated Family Communication Tools 
Mixed-age classrooms rely heavily on strong partnerships with families. Tools that help caregivers share milestones, daily notes, and photos support trust and connection.

5. Seamless Alignment With Formative Assessment Tools 
Assessment tools, such as GOLD, should be aligned with your curriculum to make it easier to track development, set goals, and adjust experiences without adding to teachers’ workloads.

The Role of Assessment in Supporting Mixed-Age Classrooms

Formative assessment plays a crucial role in mixed-age settings. Tools like GOLD not only help teachers document learning but also inform planning and instructional decisions. A curriculum aligned with an entry screener and an ongoing observation assessment tool allows educators to focus on individualized instruction, not just generalized activities.

How the Right Curriculum Supports Caregivers and Children

A well-designed curriculum does more than support children—it supports the adults who care for them. The right resources

• reduce planning time with ready-to-implement activities for every age-group;
• support intentionality by connecting daily routines and experiences to developmental goals; and
• boost caregiver confidence through clear guidance, built-in flexibility, and aligned assessment.

Ultimately, a strong curriculum gives caregivers the tools to be responsive, nurturing, and intentional—even in the most complex classroom settings.

How to Choose the Best Option for Your Mixed-Age Classroom

When selecting a curriculum, start by identifying the developmental stage that represents the majority of children in your classroom. From there, choose a curriculum that offers

• flexible routines and experiences adaptable for infants and toddlers;
• resources you can easily swap out or adjust across age ranges (such as Skill Development Cards); and
• built-in supports for whole-child learning, family engagement, and assessment alignment.

This ensures your curriculum can adapt as your classroom changes.

If you’re supporting infants and toddlers in a mixed-age setting, the right curriculum makes all the difference. It’s not about finding a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s about finding one that grows with you and the children in your care.