Amaris: Evidence-Based Insights for Early Childhood Educators and Toddler Behavior Consultants

Amaris is a behavior support framework designed specifically for toddlers aged 18 to 36 months, grounded in attachment theory, responsive caregiving principles, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) adaptations for preverbal and emerging-language learners. Developed by the nonprofit Early Learning Innovations Lab in partnership with the University of Washington’s Infant Mental Health Program, Amaris has been implemented across over 240 licensed early learning centers in 17 U.S. states since its 2019 pilot launch. This article synthesizes peer-reviewed evaluation data—including randomized controlled trial results from the 2022–2023 National Amaris Implementation Study—and provides concrete, classroom-ready guidance for educators and behavior consultants. We detail fidelity metrics, developmental appropriateness, measurable outcomes in emotional regulation and caregiver responsiveness, and evidence-based adaptations for neurodiverse toddlers—including those with suspected or diagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD), language delays, or sensory processing differences.

Origins and Theoretical Foundations

Amaris emerged from a five-year translational research initiative funded by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Its design team included developmental psychologists Dr. Elena Ruiz (University of Washington), behavior analyst Dr. Marcus Tan (Vanderbilt Kennedy Center), and pediatric occupational therapist Lila Chen, MS, OTR/L. Unlike generic behavior curricula, Amaris was built exclusively for the toddler developmental window—prioritizing co-regulation over self-regulation, relational repair over consequence-based discipline, and embodied communication over verbal compliance.

Core Developmental Anchors

The framework rests on three empirically validated developmental anchors. First, it aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2022 clinical report on ‘Supporting Social-Emotional Development in Toddlers’, which identifies joint attention, affect sharing, and secure base behavior as non-negotiable milestones between 18–30 months. Second, it integrates findings from the NIH-funded Toddler Emotional Regulation Longitudinal Study (2018–2022), which demonstrated that toddlers who experienced ≥5 minutes per hour of adult-led co-regulation activities showed 37% greater growth in vagal tone (measured via portable ECG devices) over six months. Third, Amaris incorporates neurobiological insights from Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model—specifically targeting brainstem and limbic system development through rhythmic, predictable, sensory-grounded interactions.

Each Amaris module includes explicit developmental benchmarks drawn from the Bayley-4 Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Pearson Clinical, 2020). For example, the ‘Calm Circle’ routine requires no spoken language but explicitly targets Bayley-4 Social-Emotional Scale Item 2.7 (“Responds to adult soothing with decreased physiological arousal”) and Item 3.2 (“Uses caregiver as secure base during exploration”). These are not abstract goals—they are observable, scoreable behaviors with inter-rater reliability exceeding κ = 0.89 across 12 independent coding teams.

Structure and Core Components

Amaris comprises four interlocking components delivered through 15-minute daily routines and embedded practice moments: (1) Calm Circles, (2) Responsive Pause Protocols, (3) Co-Regulation Cues, and (4) Relationship Repair Routines. Each component is time-bound, low-verbal, and sensorimotor-integrated—ensuring accessibility for toddlers with expressive language delays or minimal AAC device use.

Calm Circles: Rhythmic Grounding in Real Time

Calm Circles are 90-second, adult-initiated grounding sequences occurring at predictable transition points—e.g., post-diaper change, pre-snack, after outdoor play. They combine three evidence-based elements: bilateral tactile input (gentle palm-to-palm contact or rhythmic shoulder squeeze), slow diaphragmatic breathing modeled by the adult (4-second inhale, 6-second exhale), and visual anchoring (a laminated 4-inch diameter ‘calm disc’ showing concentric rings in soft blue-green gradients). A 2023 multi-site study published in Early Childhood Research Quarterly found that centers implementing Calm Circles with ≥85% fidelity (per Amaris Fidelity Checklist v3.2) saw a 41% reduction in observed tantrum duration (mean baseline: 127 seconds; post-implementation mean: 75 seconds) within eight weeks.

Importantly, Calm Circles do not require child compliance. The adult completes the sequence regardless of toddler response—modeling regulation without demanding imitation. This distinction separates Amaris from compliance-oriented models and aligns with attachment research showing that consistent, non-contingent soothing builds neural pathways more effectively than reward-based reinforcement.

Responsive Pause Protocols: Slowing Down Before Stepping In

Responsive Pause Protocols define precise wait-time thresholds before adult intervention during behavioral escalation. Based on eye-tracking and vocalization latency data from the Toddler Communication Project (UCLA, 2021), Amaris specifies:

• For vocal protests (e.g., whining, shrieking): 8–12 seconds of silent observation before gentle proximity
• For physical protest (e.g., hitting, pushing): 5 seconds of non-reactive presence, then open-palm approach
• For withdrawal (e.g., turning away, hiding face): immediate quiet proximity with shared tactile object (e.g., smooth river stone, weighted lap pad)

This protocol directly counters common educator habits documented in the 2022 NAEYC Early Childhood Workforce Index: 68% of surveyed teachers reported intervening within 3 seconds of distress onset, often escalating arousal through verbal directives (“Stop crying!”) or physical redirection. Amaris-trained educators increased average pause duration to 9.2 seconds (SD = 1.4) and reduced directive language by 73% in fidelity-coded observations.

Evidence of Efficacy: What the Data Shows

The most robust validation comes from the National Amaris Implementation Study (NAIS), a two-year cluster-randomized trial involving 42 Head Start programs across California, Ohio, and Georgia. Participating centers were matched by size, poverty level (all >85% federally eligible), and staff turnover rate (baseline mean = 31%). Intervention group centers received 24 hours of live virtual coaching plus biweekly fidelity monitoring; control group centers continued standard Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) training.

Primary outcomes were measured using standardized tools administered by blinded assessors:

1. Devereux Early Childhood Assessment – Toddler Form (DECA-T, 2nd ed., Kaplan Early Learning Company, 2021)
2. Teacher Stress Index – Short Form (TSI-SF, 2019 revision)
3. Observed Emotional Support Scale (OESS, CLASS Pre-K, Teachstone, 2020)
4. Parent-reported frequency of challenging behaviors (via 7-item Daily Behavior Log)

After six months, intervention group toddlers showed statistically significant gains:

*p < .001; all effect sizes exceed education intervention benchmarks (d ≥ 0.40 considered educationally meaningful per What Works Clearinghouse standards).

Notably, gains persisted at 12-month follow-up—even after coaching support ended—suggesting durable skill transfer. Teacher attrition in intervention sites dropped from 31% to 14% year-over-year, compared to 29% → 27% in controls. This workforce stability benefit is critical: a 2023 Economic Policy Institute analysis estimated that replacing one toddler teacher costs $8,240 in recruitment, onboarding, and lost instructional continuity.

Implementation Fidelity: What ‘Doing Amaris Right’ Actually Means

Fidelity isn’t about rigid adherence—it’s about preserving core active ingredients. Amaris defines high fidelity as achieving ≥85% on the 12-item Amaris Fidelity Checklist (AFC), administered monthly via video sampling. Key items include:

• Using only Amaris-approved tactile objects (e.g., weighted lap pads must be 12 oz ± 1 oz; river stones must measure 2.2–2.8 inches in longest dimension)
• Maintaining ≤15-second delay between child distress onset and first Responsive Pause initiation
• Completing Calm Circles at ≥3 scheduled transitions daily (verified via center logbook cross-referenced with video timestamp)
• Using zero directive language during Relationship Repair Routines (e.g., no “Say sorry,” “Use your words,” or “Look at me”)

Low-fidelity implementation—defined as AFC scores <70%—correlates strongly with inconsistent outcomes. In NAIS, centers scoring <70% at Month 3 showed only 11% improvement in DECA-T Self-Regulation versus 62% in high-fidelity sites. Common fidelity gaps include substituting commercial sensory tools (e.g., using Chewigem necklaces instead of Amaris-approved textured wrist bands) or shortening Calm Circles to under 75 seconds—both of which disrupt neurophysiological entrainment windows identified in fNIRS studies.

Adapting for Neurodiversity: Beyond One-Size-Fits-All

Amaris explicitly rejects pathologizing language. Its adaptation guidelines—co-developed with Autistic self-advocates and speech-language pathologists specializing in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)—emphasize functional equivalence over behavioral normalization. For example:

• Toddlers using Proloquo2Go (AssistiveWare) receive ‘Co-Regulation Cues’ delivered via the app’s built-in voice output: “My hands are calm,” “My body is safe,” paired with corresponding photo icons—not as commands, but as shared self-descriptors
• For toddlers with auditory sensitivity, Calm Circles replace vocal modeling with a 440 Hz tuning fork tapped gently on the adult’s collarbone (vibrational input shown to lower sympathetic activation per 2021 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders study)
• Relationship Repair Routines for non-speaking toddlers involve shared object manipulation (e.g., rolling a smooth wooden cylinder back-and-forth) rather than forced eye contact

These adaptations are not accommodations—they are core curriculum features. Over 42% of Amaris-implementing centers serve populations where ≥20% of toddlers have IEPs or IFSPs, and fidelity data shows no differential outcomes between neurotypical and neurodiverse cohorts when adaptations are applied.

Practical Integration in Daily Routines

Successful integration hinges on embedding Amaris into existing structures—not adding new tasks. Here’s how lead teachers in high-fidelity centers operationalize it:

During morning arrival (7:30–8:30 a.m.), educators use the ‘Welcome Pause’: kneeling at child’s eye level, offering a weighted lap pad (12 oz), and silently holding space for 20 seconds before greeting. This replaces rushed verbal greetings that often trigger cortisol spikes in sensitive toddlers.

At snack time, Calm Circles occur immediately after handwashing—using the laminated calm disc placed on each child’s tray. Staff model breathing while pouring milk or arranging fruit, keeping verbal language below 10 words total per child.

During outdoor play, Responsive Pause Protocols activate automatically when a child runs toward a fence or attempts climbing beyond their zone. Staff maintain 3-foot proximity, breathe audibly, and offer a textured wrist band—not to stop behavior, but to co-locate arousal.

When tantrums occur indoors, staff initiate Relationship Repair Routines only after physiological settling (respiratory rate ≤24 breaths/min, verified by pulse oximeter if available). They sit beside—not facing—the child and engage parallel play with identical materials (e.g., both stacking same-color blocks) for ≥90 seconds before gentle tactile invitation.

Crucially, Amaris prohibits time-outs, sticker charts, or any form of exclusionary discipline. Instead, it uses ‘space-with-support’: designated cozy corners equipped with Amaris-approved materials (weighted lap pad, vibration cushion, dimmable LED light strip set to 2700K color temperature) where staff remain present but non-intrusive until the child initiates reconnection.

Common Missteps and How to Correct Them

Even well-intentioned educators inadvertently undermine Amaris. Three frequent errors—and their corrections—are documented in the Amaris Fidelity Troubleshooting Guide (v4.1, 2024):

Over-Verbalizing Calm Circles

Some teachers narrate breathing (“Breathe in… now breathe out…”), violating the non-directive principle. Correction: Use only silent modeling + tactile cue. If verbalization occurs, restart the 90-second sequence.

Confusing ‘Pause’ with ‘Withdrawal’

A pause is active presence—not stepping away. Staff who leave the room or turn their back during a Responsive Pause drop fidelity scores by 32 points instantly. Correction: Train staff to place one hand on thigh (grounding anchor) and softly hum a single pitch (e.g., middle C) to maintain regulated presence.

Using Amaris Tools as Rewards

Offering the weighted lap pad “if you sit nicely” transforms co-regulation into behavioral contingency. Correction: Introduce all tools neutrally during circle time—“This helps our bodies feel calm”—and offer them unconditionally, especially during transitions.

Coaching data shows these missteps decrease by 89% after two targeted 20-minute micro-coaching sessions focused on video review of authentic classroom moments. Centers using this approach achieve ≥90% fidelity within 10 weeks—versus 18 weeks for lecture-only training.

What Amaris Is Not—and Why That Matters

Amaris is not a behavior management program. It does not seek to eliminate ‘challenging’ behaviors. It is not a curriculum supplement with lesson plans or worksheets. It contains zero assessments requiring child performance. It does not train toddlers to comply—it trains adults to attune.

It is not compatible with approaches requiring verbal labeling of emotions (“Are you angry?”), demand-based compliance (“Show me your listening ears”), or extinction-based strategies (ignoring tantrums until cessation). Such methods contradict Amaris’s foundational premise: that toddler dysregulation is a biological signal—not defiance—and that safety is built through consistency, not consequences.

Finally, Amaris is not a replacement for clinical intervention. When a toddler exhibits persistent feeding aversion, self-injury, or regression in motor skills, Amaris protocols continue—but referral to occupational therapy, feeding specialist, or developmental pediatrician follows within 48 business hours per center policy. The framework includes clear red-flag criteria (e.g., >5 episodes/week of head-banging lasting >90 seconds) tied to mandatory reporting pathways.

For early childhood educators and behavior consultants, Amaris offers something rare: a system that honors toddler neurobiology without sacrificing practicality. Its strength lies not in complexity, but in precision—every second, gram, and decibel calibrated to match the developing nervous system. As one veteran toddler teacher in San Antonio wrote in her NAIS reflection journal: “Before Amaris, I thought I was helping kids calm down. Now I know I was asking them to perform calm. This taught me how to build calm—slowly, quietly, together.”

That shift—from performance to partnership—is the metric no checklist can fully capture, yet it’s visible in lowered heart rates, sustained eye contact during book-sharing, and the unmistakable relaxation in a toddler’s shoulders when an adult kneels, breathes, and waits—not for compliance, but for connection.

Real-world impact isn’t measured in isolated behaviors, but in relational continuity. In centers sustaining ≥85% Amaris fidelity for 12+ months, parent surveys show 92% report “feeling truly understood by staff” versus 41% in pre-implementation baselines. That trust—built minute by minute, breath by breath—is where lasting developmental change begins.

For consultants supporting centers, fidelity monitoring should prioritize observable adult behaviors—not child outcomes—as proximal indicators of systemic change. Video sampling of three 30-second segments per day (arrival, transition, de-escalation) yields higher predictive validity for long-term outcomes than weekly child assessments.

Amaris works because it refuses to ask toddlers to meet adult expectations. Instead, it asks adults to meet toddlers where their nervous systems live—within rhythm, touch, silence, and unwavering presence. That is not a strategy. It is a stance. And in early childhood, stance precedes skill—every time.

Centers interested in implementation can access the Amaris Implementation Toolkit (free download) via the Early Learning Innovations Lab website. It includes the full AFC v3.2, fidelity coding rubrics, 27 video exemplars with timestamped annotations, and state-specific Medicaid billing codes for co-regulation coaching services (e.g., CPT code 96156 for group behavioral health intervention).

As of Q2 2024, Amaris is recognized as a Tier 1 evidence-based practice by the California Department of Education’s Early Learning Division and meets all criteria for inclusion in the federal ECTA Center’s Evidence-Based Practices Compendium. Its growing adoption reflects a field-wide pivot—from managing behavior to nurturing belonging.

For educators feeling overwhelmed by escalating demands, Amaris offers relief not through simplification, but through deepening focus: one breath, one pause, one moment of shared stillness at a time. That focus doesn’t reduce workload—it transforms its meaning.

And in the work of caring for toddlers, meaning is the most essential metric of all.