# Beautiful Beginnings, Second Edition

A Developmental Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers

[Helen H. Raikes, Ph.D.](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=1108&Name=Helen+Raikes,Ph.D.), [Katlyn M. Hoggatt, M.Ed.](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=227150&Name=Katlyn+Hoggatt,M.Ed.), [Darcy D. Lenz, M.Ed.](https://products.brookespublishing.com/cw_Contributorinfo.aspx?ContribID=227151&Name=Darcy+Lenz,M.Ed.)

Take a joyful, activity-based approach to enhancing the development of infants and toddlers with the new edition of this bestselling birth-to-three curriculum. Aligned with ASQ® and CDC developmental milestones, this extensive, research-supported curriculum includes more than 350 photocopiable, easy-to-use activity sheets that target **eight key developmental areas.**

Contains Companion Materials

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- [Reviews](https://products.brookespublishing.com/Beautiful-Beginnings-P1744.aspx?__cf_chl_f_tk=1koF71zYL3Y9jVFSDezphxDlVz1dBXnQJva1lBJFCqI-1783441907-1.0.1.1-ZTY455dv4XNs66adk2E46J6IE24INhbrhcO7R3NYMIU#reviewsPane)
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| STOCK NUMBER | ISBN |
| 58560 | 978-1-68125-856-0 |
| COPYRIGHT | PAGES |
| 2026 | 456 |
| AVAILABILITY |  |
| Not Yet Published |  |

Take a joyful, activity-based approach to enhancing the development of infants and toddlers with the new edition of this bestselling birth-to-three curriculum. Aligned with ASQ® and CDC developmental milestones, this extensive, research-supported curriculum includes more than 350 photocopiable, easy-to-use activity sheets that target **eight key developmental areas.** Carefully tailored for **six different age ranges in the critical first years of life,** these engaging experiences build on each child’s strengths and interests, expand on emerging developments, and encourage more progress in areas of concern.

**The Beautiful Beginnings curriculum:**

- **Helps children progress in eight areas important to school readiness:** Communication, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Intellectual, Discovery, Social-Emotional, Self-Help, and Pretend
- **Works in a wide variety of settings**, including Early Head Start, center-based care, home visiting, and parent education programs
- **Makes it simple and fun to track child progress** with a photocopiable Goal Sheet for recording individual child objectives and child development Overviews and Experiences Charts for each age range
- **Promotes parent/professional collaboration** as they choose goals for the child and support progress
- **Recognizes each child’s individuality** by encouraging careful observation and reflection during goal selection

**PRACTICAL FEATURES:**

- Helpful overviews for each six-month age range, with recommendations for health, safety, and environmental preparations
- Downloadable, printable activity sheets
- Explicit alignments with CDC, ASQ, and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework
- Guidance on variations and adaptations for diverse populations
- Up-to-date children’s book and music list

## Reviews

Jane Squires, Emerita Professor, University of Oregon; Developer, Ages & Stages Questionnaires® - April 13, 2026

"Helen Raikes and her co-authors have thoughtfully expanded and refined **Beautiful Beginnings**, delivering a valuable and extensive resource for early childhood practitioners. These updated activities are imaginative, carefully crafted, and grounded in what we know about how infants and toddlers grow. Easy-to-use activity sheets target key areas for developmental and social-emotional growth and are linked to CDC Milestones and ASQ items. This book is a must-have for practitioners committed to nurturing the whole child from birth onwards."