Early Learning Resources
Resources
Early Learning Resources
Expert insights on child development, early STEM education, school readiness, and tips for raising curious, confident learners.
6 posts
Why Teacher Training Is the Most Important Investment in Early Childhood Education
The research is unambiguous: the quality of an early childhood educator — their training, their skills, and their ongoing professional development — is the single greatest predictor of outcomes for young children.
What to Look for in a Quality Childcare Program: A Parent\'s Practical Guide
Not all childcare is created equal. Research identifies specific, observable qualities that predict good outcomes for children. Here is what to look for — and what questions to ask — when evaluating programs.
Language Development from Birth to Five: What Every Parent Needs to Know
A child learns more language in their first five years than in all the years that follow. Understanding how language develops — and what supports it — is one of the most important things a parent can do.
The Heckman Equation: Why Investing in Early Childhood Pays Off for Everyone
Nobel Prize-winning economist James Heckman found that early childhood education delivers a 13% annual return on investment. Here is what that means for your family and your community.
Small Hands, Big Ideas: How Tinkering and Making Build STEM Thinkers
NAEYC research shows that tinkering and making are among the most powerful STEM experiences for young children. Here is what that looks like in practice and why it matters.
Why Early STEM Education Starts Before Kindergarten
The brain is most receptive to STEM thinking in the first five years of life. Here is what the research says and how parents can nurture it at home.