Early Learning Resources

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.

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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.

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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

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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.

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.

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.

Read up on developmental milestones for ages 0-5

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Grab some dot stickers and paper and get crafty.

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

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

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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.

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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.

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.

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Create an elephant out of your hand.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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!

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Tips to help you prepare your child for Kindergarten.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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