School readiness is foundational across early childhood systems and programs. It means children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children's learning, and schools are ready for children. Head Start views school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life. Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are all essential ingredients of school readiness. Managers, teaching staff, caregivers, family advocates, and families can learn more about creating enriching and supportive learning environments for young children ages birth to 5.
Discuss how outdoor environments create ideal conditions for children’s social and emotional development. Hear how adults can use outdoor environments to help build social and emotional skills in children ages 3 to 5.
Learn what research has uncovered about the ways infants think and feel during their first year of life. Discover strategies to deepen relationships and learning during the earliest stage of development.
Explore research, home visiting strategies, and resources that support home visitors as they partner with families to promote cognitive self-regulation in young children.
Explore strategies and resources that home visitors can share with families to support emotional and behavioral self-regulation. Discover tips families can use to support their children’s learning.
Learn to use questions to support and expand children’s curiosity and exploration. Explore the important role of language in supporting young children’s thinking and learning.
Learn the science behind early social and emotional development in infants and toddlers. Explore research on how social and emotional development supports learning across the ELOF domains.
The experiences we have as children shape our brains and set the stage for a lifetime of learning. In this podcast, learn the basics of brain development and how to support children's healthy brain development.
Children need extra support in their earliest days to grow a healthy brain. Caring relationships, child-centered interactions, and responsive care are keys to nurturing healthy brain development.
Find out what research says about using nature as a tool to support children's development across learning domains. Discover strategies for creating time and space for nature play in your learning environment.
Identify playful learning activities that can support preschoolers’ motor and physical development. Explore scaffolding strategies and techniques for managing physical play.