An infant/toddler specialist network (ITSN) is a state-based (sometimes regionally managed) system that coordinates the work of I/T specialists and is primarily funded through CCDF quality funding. The overall goal of the ITSN is to improve caregiver practices and increase the quality of each infant and toddler's developmental experience. This publication: - explores the issues that have contributed to the interest in ITSNs; - provides a framework for a step-by-step approach to create a network; - emphasizes the importance of linking the network to other programs, quality initiatives, and consultant networks. (author abstract)