In this foundational session, we’ll explore how children show us what they know, feel, and want—through gestures, actions, attention shifts, vocalizations, and more, not just spoken words. Drawing on the framework of CARA’s Kit, we’ll discuss how adults can adapt our routines, environments, and responses to support each child’s way of expressing and participating. By deepening our awareness of these diverse communication and learning pathways, we strengthen our ability to connect, interpret, and respond in ways that allow every child to participate meaningfully in play, learning, and social interaction.  

 In this applied session, we’ll build from the noticing framework introduced in Session 1 to practice observing children’s play and identifying the many ways they express, learn, and participate. Through guided reflection and examples rooted in CARA’s Kit, we’ll explore how small shifts in our responses, routines, and environments can expand children’s opportunities to communicate and engage. Participants will leave with practical, flexible strategies for responding in ways that support meaningful participation and connection in play and learning