For infants and toddlers, school readiness refers to their developing capacity to self-regulate, demonstrate curiosity, communicate effectively, and develop close, secure relationships. Good health and proper nutrition support this developing capacity. This happens within the context of nurturing, culturally responsive relationships with parents, caregivers, extended family, and community.
Learn about the importance of supporting early bonding and attachment child-parent relationships and child-caregiver relationships. Explore strategies useful for Head Start center-based, home-based, and family child care program options.
In this News You Can Use, we discuss ways teachers, home visitors, family child care providers, and families can be more intentional in how they support young children’s early science learning—and school readiness.
The webisodes in this series offer key messages and helpful resources to get staff started with the youngest children and their families. Managers can use Early Essentials to design orientation experiences or staff can participate on their own.
Find out how adults can support infants’ and toddlers’ motor development. Learn ways to promote daily, individualized opportunities for movement and active play.
Discover more about infant and toddler language development. Hear tips on how to support this development, including for children who are dual language learners.
Explore what school readiness means for infants and toddlers. Learn how secure relationships with adults supports children’s development and learning.
Use this video to explore the rapid growth and development that occurs in the first three years of life. Explore its influence on later development and learning.
Explore the Early Essentials video series. Learn what Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, and child care staff can do to support infant and toddler development and learning.
Explore this News You Can Use where we discuss ways adults can be more intentional in how they support young children’s math learning and school readiness.