Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning

This framework uses a house to represent five integral elements of quality teaching and learning for children ages birth to 5 in all program options.

Invite children to go on an adventure to find bugs on your outdoor area, backyard, or local playground. Ask children where they think they will find insects — always following their lead in the shared exploration.

Make-believe play is an important part of a research-based curriculum and practices you use every day. The sky is the limit as children create play experiences to explore scenarios from their world and beyond!

Did you know that experimenting with rhythm connects music, math, and culture? Model musical exploration, share in the joy, and follow children’s interests with types of music and ways to express themselves..

Take a nature walk and roll! Children and adults might be walking or rolling around in a stroller, buggy, or wheelchair. All ways of moving are wonderful, and we encourage choosing a pathway that works for everyone.

Staff can use this information to plan and carry out open ended, joyful play activities with children enrolled in Head Start programs.

These episodes of Teacher Time highlight the joy of teaching and learning with preschool children. Learn practical strategies to engage in guided play, observation, and intentional teaching. 

Explore this special collection of visuals that was designed to support the participation and learning of young children between the ages of 16 to 36 months.

These pictures and visuals help present important information in a way that children can understand and use. They encourage engagement and learning in many different settings, routines, and activities.