Why early learning matters

Your child’s experiences in the first five years of life will have a lasting impact on his or her life. You want your child to be ready to learn on their first day of school and early learning is the key to that great start. Did you know that brain development peaks at age three? Relationships, interactive playtime, language, and conversation are all ways that children develop.

From birth until entering kindergarten, your child spends time in many different care settings, in child care centers or family homes, attending preschool programs, and with family, friends, and neighbors. Across all of these diverse settings, your child will thrive most when:

• Playing. Children learn while they are busy exploring, imagining, building, knocking down, listening to stories, singing and dancing, climbing, and much more. Learn more…
• In loving relationships. Relationships with parents, other family members, and child care providers form the foundation of how children think, learn, and behave. Learn more…
• Babbling, Talking and Engaging. These are all early ways of learning that begin at birth. Watch this video to learn more.