U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Español

Mental Health

The Infant Toddler Temperament Tool (IT3): Supporting A "Goodness of Fit"

The Infant Toddler Temperament Tool (IT3) was developed by the Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, an Innovation and Support Project funded by the Office of Head Start.

IT3 includes a short online survey that allows parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers to recognize and explore their own temperament traits, (i.e., characteristics or level of intensity), and those of the children in their care. The survey generates results which support parents and caregivers in understanding their temperament and how it may be a match or mismatch for a particular child. IT3 also offers simple best practice tips adults can use to foster the unique temperament of each child.

About Temperament

Laughing toddler boy with a yellow balloon

Introduction to Temperament

Temperament is an important feature of social and emotional health. There are three general types of temperaments and nine common temperament traits. Discover how they impact personality and behavior.
Infant child being held in a standing position by her father

Temperament Traits Chart

Caregivers and parents have unique temperaments. Adult-child compatibility can affect the quality of their relationships. Use this chart to discover your traits and those of the children you work with.

Resources for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants

Mother holding her toddler on her lap and smiling

IT3: More About This Tool

Use this tool to support the work of early childhood mental health consultants (ECMHs). Find helpful information as you work with parents and caregivers of children birth through 3 years of age. 
Two toddler boys in outerwear inside sitting on a daycare mat

Getting Started with the IT3 Tool

In this step-by-step training guide, find ways to help early childhood mental health consultants (ECMHs) walk parents and caregivers through the temperament traits activity. 
Two boys sharing toys while sitting at a table inside a daycare facility

Temperament Case Study for Use in Training

Learn how to observe and recognize children's temperament traits and determine if the child-caregiver relationship is a good fit. Find ways to match caregiving styles to best fit the child’s temperament. Use this case study in trainings with mental health consultants, education supervisors, and other early childhood staff.

Take the Infant Toddler Temperament Tool (IT3) Interactive Quiz

Infant boy playing with stackable cups on the floor

For Infants (birth to 18 months)

Parents and caregivers of infants can use this tool to rate themselves and their infant on the nine temperament traits. Identify the typical behavior that describes how you and your infant regularly behave.
Mother holding her infant son while looking down

For Toddlers (18 to 36 months)

Use this tool to help parents and caregivers of toddlers rate themselves and their toddlers on the nine temperament traits. Identify the typical behavior that describes how you and your toddler regularly behave.

Download the Infant Toddler Temperament Tool (IT3)

Infant girl under a light pink blanket looking up at something off camera

For Infants (birth to 18 months)

Review this booklet to discover what temperament is and what ‘goodness of fit’ means. Explore the dimensions of each temperament trait as it relates to infants birth to 18 months.
Toddler boy in a red shirt playing outside near a playground

For Toddlers (18 to 36 months)

In this booklet, learn what temperament is and what ‘goodness of fit’ means. Explore the dimensions of each temperament trait as it relates to toddlers.

Read more:

HeadStart.gov

official website of the Administration for Children and Families

Looking for U.S. government information and services?
Visit USA.gov