5 Steps for Brain-Building Serve and Return Interactions

To support parents and caregivers to engage in “serve and return” during everyday activities, the Harvard University Center on the Developing Child created a family-friendly two-page guide that lists five steps for completing serve and return interactions. The resource also includes a link where caregivers can watch an introductory video, learn more about the science behind serve and return, and access even more materials to help them support their baby’s development. Check out this resource online at https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/5-steps-for-brain-building-serve-and-return/, or in Spanish at https://developingchild.harvard.edu/translation/5-pasos-para-el-desarrollo-mental-saque-y-volea/.

To download the PDF handout in English, click here to download directly to your device.

To download the PDF handout in Spanish, click here to download directly to your device.

The ICC-Recommended Early Start Personnel Manual (ESPM) describes core knowledge and role-specific competencies needed for early intervention service provision, incorporating current research and evidence in the field of early intervention. To access the ESPM, CLICK HERE.

This resource is related to the following ESPM knowledge-level competencies:

Core Knowledge (CK):
- CK2: The role of primary social and emotional relationships as the foundation for early learning.
- CK6: The sequences of development and the interrelationships among developmental areas/factors
Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-DR):
- IFSP-DR5 (EIA): Has basic knowledge of intervention strategies used in everyday routines, relationships, activities, places and partnerships.
Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-i):
- IFSP-i3 (EIA): Is familiar with generic and specific evidence-based early intervention strategies to support all areas of development.