In the course of its first nine months, the infant has acquired an extraordinary amount of skill and information. It requires less and less sleep, is acquiring more and more freedom of movement, and has an expanding vocabulary of gurgles and babbles. Its curiosity, desire to explore its world, and ability to seek for objects it can observe and hold is increasing. Touching and holding objects are the first steps toward possessing them. Its efforts at discovery are still largely dependent on the assistance and guidance of adults, who set the boundaries of the permissible. The healthy intellectual development of the child depends on the willingness of adults to help the infant satisfy its curiosity, reach out, learn, and develop a context for learning. (23 minutes)