Executive Function in Toddlers: Building Foundations for Learning and Self-Regulation

Executive function is a set of higher-order cognitive skills that helps toddlers focus attention, hold information in mind, manage their responses and adapt when situations change. These skills provide important foundations for learning, emotional regulation, decision-making and everyday functioning. Executive function does not develop all at once. It emerges progressively through brain maturation and everyday experiences. Early nutrition, responsive caregiving, play and predictable routines can all contribute to the broader environment that supports developing cognitive abilities.