Skip To Main Content

Close Mobile Menu ( Don't delete it )

Mobile Utility

Header Top

Header Utility

Header Bottom

Mobile Trigger

Breadcrumb

Early Learning Resources

Father and small children art activity at home

Your child’s first step to a brighter future

SDQPI provides resources and information so all children in San Diego County can thrive in their early learning settings. Below you will find Early Learning Resources that provide parents and caregivers of children 0-5 with resources, information and activities to ensure all children in San Diego County are prepared for preschool, kindergarten and beyond.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as a reference tool and marker for programmatic planning purposes.

Search by category

Search by age

  • resources
13 Tips for Starting Preschool

Is your child entering a preschool program for the first time? Use these tips to help both you and your child make a smooth transition.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • resources
A Helping Hand

Kids learn from the moment they are born. Develop their helping hand early and often - it will be a skill that will last a lifetime.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • resources
Baby’s First 100 Days

The first 100 days of life are a critical time in a baby’s brain development

Learn more

  • 0-1
  • resources
Baby Sign Language

Check out why using simple sign language with your child can help their development.

Learn more

  • 1-3
  • resources
Baby Sleep Schedule

Sleep is crucial to your newborn's development. Find a sleep scheudle that suits you and promotes proper growth for your child.

Learn more

  • 0-1
  • resources
Become Your Child’s Advocate

The word advocate comes the Latin word advocare, meaning “add a voice.” Parents can make their children’s voices heard — and get their needs met — by actively advocating for them.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • activities
Big/Little, High/Low

Look around the room, then point to an object. Ask the child if it is big or little or high or low. Take turns pointing at new objects.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 1-3
  • activities
Blow Raspberries

Before dressing baby, press your lips on their tummy and blow air on their skin to make a noise. This encourages baby to make their own noises and lip movements.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 0-1
  • resources
Books for Big Emotions

If you have a toddler, you know the array of big emotions they can express in a day, not to mention in five minutes. Pull these books out at bed time to relax your child and remind them how to handle big emotions, like sadness, anxiety, and bravery.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • resources
Books for Rhyming

The ability to recognize and produce rhyming words is an important foundational skill that will help children as they learn to read.

Learn more

  • 1-3
  • resources
Child Care Options

There are many options for you to think about when it comes to choosing the best child care to meet your needs

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • meet our providers
Clarissa Carver

Where do you work?

St. Columba Preschool

What can parents do at home to help their children be prepared for early learning and care?

Communication is key! Talking to your children is the best way to prepare them for early learning and care and reading books can help ease some of the anxiety they have about starting school.

What is your favorite activity to do with little ones?

I absolutely love hearing all of the stories they have to tell! Children are amazing story tellers and their excitement makes it even more magical.

  • activities
Color Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of colors and have your child find an object that matches each hue on the list.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 3-5
  • activities
Copy-Cat Chit-Chat

Encourage baby to make noise by responding as if in conversation. Repeat sounds they make and add new words.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 0-1
  • activities
Counting Game

Show your little one how to count by touching each of their fingers and toes as you recite the numbers.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 0-1
  • 1-3
  • resources
Developmental Milestones by Age

Read up on developmental milestones for ages 0-5

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • activities
Dot Sticker Wall

Grab some dot stickers and paper and get crafty.

Learn more

  • 1-3
  • resources
El comienzo del kindergarten

Sugerencias que les ayudarán a guiar a sus hijos durante la transición de preescolares a kindergarten.

Ver más

  • 3-5
  • activities
Fairy Potion

This activity promotes critical thinking skills as your child mixes, experiments, and creates their very
own fairy potions.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • activities
Fast, Fresh and Fun Cooking

From breakfast burritos to banana milkshakes to homemade hummus with crunchy veggie dippers, you’re sure to find a fast, healthy, and kid-friendly recipe in this free cookbook from First 5.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • activities
Freeze Dance

Play music and dance with your child, then hit pause in the middle of the song. Encourage your child to freeze in a fun pose or with a funny face. Try different styles and tempos of music.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 3-5
  • activities
Growing Together Garden

Read the book or watch the live reading, and then create your own colorful flower garden – similar to the illustrations in the story – using paper, cardboard and crayons.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • activities
Handy Elephant

Create an elephant out of your hand.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • resources
How to Bond with your Little Ones

With all the other responsibilities you have as a parent, how can you assure that you are intentional in your efforts to bond with your little one, supporting their growth and laying the foundation for them to develop into happy, healthy and successful people? Find how these basic bonding steps can make a big impact on your child's growth.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • resources
How to Choose a Quality Program

Choosing a quality early learning and care environment is critical to your child’s future.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • resources
How to prepare my kid for TK/Kindergarten

Starting TK or kindergarten is an exciting milestone for your child. Here are some ways you can help prepare your child for the big day.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • meet our providers
Likka Mohamad

Where do you work?

AKA-Head Start

What can parents do at home to help their children be prepared for early learning and care?

Parents can start looking for a quality learning center to enroll their child. They can ask about the curriculum taught, the philosophy, the qualifications/credentials of the teachers, inclusive education plan and move.

What is your favorite activity to do with little ones?

A few fun, educating hands-on activities that I enjoy include, I Spy with my Little Eye, Shape Finders, Hatching Eggs in Classroom Incubator, Letter Scavenger Hunt and more
 

  • meet our providers
Linda Haar and Yi-Cheng Hu

Where do you work?

Child Development Center at MiraCosta College

What can parents do at home to help their children be prepared for early learning and care?

Provide a safe and secure environment with predicable routines and schedule. Engage children in conversations to expand their vocabulary and read to them daily.

What is your favorite activity to do with little ones?

Sensory activities for example cooking with children, and music/movement, early literacy development activities.

  • resources
Milestones for your Baby

By keeping track of what milestones your 12-month-old baby is working on achieving, you can support their development mentally and physically. 

Learn more

  • 0-1
  • activities
Movement Card Game

Using simple materials, children will create a movement card game that the family can play together.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • resources
Parent Teacher Relationships

It’s important that parents and teachers work together to support and help students be their best.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • resources
PBS Ready To Learn

Through the Ready To Learn Initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, CPB and PBS are partners in developing high-quality educational media and resources to advance critical early learning skills for children ages 2-8 to help them succeed in school, work, and life.

Learn more

  • activities
Peace Rocks

This activity encourages them to tap into their artistic side while learning strategies to find peace every day.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • activities
Plant Paints

Plant pigments have been used for centuries as paint for clothes and art. Make some plant paint yourself, and see what you can create!

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • activities
Playground Scavenger Hunt

Get the kids outside for some fun with this playful playground scavenger hunt!

See more

  • activities
Play House

Build forts with cardboard boxes, care for dolls or pretend to grocery shop.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 1-3
  • resources
Power of Relationships

Relationships are a powerful part of your child’s development, including brain, physical, and social-emotional growth

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • meet our providers
Preeti Sadhu

Where do you work?

ABC Learning Center

What can parents do at home to help their children be prepared for early learning and care?

Parents should invest time with their child to interact with them and listen to them daily. Parents should also be involved in their children's childcare activities - ask them about their day, what they learned, who they played with. Parents are the first teacher for the child, so they will be the one who can prepare kids to get ready for early learning.

What is your favorite activity to do with little ones?

Story telling is my favorite activity with little ones. Stories make their brain think and imagine. It helps in their development and growth. When you tell a story to little kids they create a picture in their brain and make memories and learn from it.

  • resources
Preparing for the Transition

Once you’ve decided on the best child-care option, preparing to say goodbye to your child can be emotional.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • resources
Products for Picky Eaters

While helping your child develop healthy eating habits is the ultimate goal, you can also incorporate products that will make mealtime more fun for everyone involved.

Learn more

  • 1-3
  • resources
Putting your Little One in Child Care

Child care is often a choice parents choose for their children. It's important to find the right one for you and your child.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • resources
Questions to Ask

When choosing a child-care provider, asking some important questions and getting the information you need will help you make the best decision for your child.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • resources
Raise a Reader

Reading is fun and can helps us learn and grow. Reading is a key part of life which continues to be important throughout our lives. One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is raising them to be a reader. It’s never too early to read, so start today!

Learn more (PDF)

  • All Ages
  • resources
Ready or Not Kindergarten, Here We Come!

Tips to help you prepare your child for Kindergarten.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • resources
Resilience Book List

Resilience is an important skill to learn while young. These books help promote that skill.

Learn more (PDF)

  • All Ages
  • activities
Roll and Go

For children who are crawling, show them a soft ball or interesting toy. Roll it or place it a few feet away and encourage your baby to get it.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 0-1
  • resources
School Drop-Off Strategies

Saying goodbye can sometimes be emotional for both of you, so here are some ways to help you and your child with school drop-off.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • activities
Sensory Game

Create a sensory basket, or sensory station to give your child the opportunity to explore new objects in a safe and creative way. Fill with rice, blocks, pasta, fabric, water, or anything your child can grab and feel.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 0-1
  • resources
Separation Anxiety

Toddlers are highly dependent on others for caretaking, and staying close to you is one of their biggest jobs. Here are 5 tips on creating better attachment with your toddler.

Learn more

  • 0-3
  • activities
Shape Jumper

Use scissors to cut out different shapes from construction paper. Tell the child to "jump on the circle" and "hop on a blue shape."

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 3-5
  • resources
Snack Time

Make sure your preschooler has all the snacks they need to strive, or find something new to expand their pallete!

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • activities
So Big!

Hold your baby on your lap. Ask: How big is (child’s name)? Then lift his arms up into the air and say: Sooooo big! Babies love this game and will eventually learn to lift their arms in response to your question.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • activities
Sort Toys by Color

Grab all your toys and sort them by color.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 1-3
  • activities
Tell Me a Story

Reverse storytime with your child. Instead of you telling them a story or reading a book, ask them to tell you a story. It could be a made up story or a story about their day.

These activities have been created through adaptation of a variety of sources and resources, in conjunction with field experiences and are solely to be used as informal preacademic and developmental activities for children 0-5.

  • 3-5
  • activities
The Exploratorium

Keep kids inspired, connected, and supported with science resources and activities that leverage everyday experiences and real-world phenomena.

Learn more

  • resources
Tips for Talking to the Teacher

How to handle concerns about your child’s care and education.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • activities
Tooth Fairy Finger Puppet

Make a cute tooth fairy puppet with this easy craft that also uses a mix of fine motor skill movements.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • resources
What is play? Why is it important?

There is more to playing than fun and games. Play is actually a powerful, brain-building activity that supports all areas of your child’s development, including language, math, motor, and social skills.

Learn more

  • All Ages
  • resources
What is TK & Kindergarten?

Find out more about the difference between TK and K and what to expect for your child.

Learn more

  • 3-5
  • resources
What to Look for in a Child Care

You’ve narrowed down a few child-care options you want to consider. What do you do next?

Learn more

  • All Ages