Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning

Explore resources to learn American Sign Language (ASL) signs, gain insights on the benefits of ASL for children’s development, and learn strategies for integrating ASL into your learning environments.

American Sign Language (ASL) supports the learning of all infants and toddlers. Learn strategies for teaching and using ASL with young children and their families.

Encourage children to explore their senses, stretch fine motor skills, and be creative using materials of different colors, textures, sizes, and more. What can children mold, manipulate, stack, arrange, pattern, color, or imagine as they explore 3D art?

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.

Messy play is a great way to experience natural elements with all the senses. Help children explore textures, sounds, and smells of materials. Make a mud puddle outside for children to splash in; use a sensory table to splash, scoop, and pour water; and more!

In this collection of resources, learn about the latest research and explore evidence-based practices that help education staff and their managers support children’s learning and development from birth to age 5.

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..