From birth children are learning through play, active exploration of their environment, and through interactions and experiences with others in their lives. The years that children are placed in child care settings are the formative years for their learning, social-emotional development, and the development of their self-image.
relationships
Children know their needs will be met when they have healthy relationships with at least one caring adult whether that adult is a parent, relative, or another caregiver.
The reliable presence of at least one supportive relationship can help create opportunities for developing the coping skills that are essential for strengthening the capacity to do well in the face of significant adversity.
brain development & School Readiness
Our brains grow faster between the ages of 0 to 3 than any other point in life. Early experiences influence the connections being made in a child’s brain that will shape how they will manage situations later in life. With the support of families and caregivers, young children acquire the social skills, emotional skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and life.
talking with infants
For infants and young children, everyday experiences provide opportunities to learn how to operate in the world. Children’s academic successes at ages 9 and 10 can be attributed to the amount of words they hear from birth through age 3. Check out this video to learn more about the importance of talking to infants.
the importance of play
Through play, children explore and make sense of the world around them. Play promotes a love for learning by stimulating and supporting children in their development of skills, concepts, language, communication, and concentration. Playing can build confidence, independence, and creativity in children when they are given the opportunity of exploration, and the encouragement to be themselves.
The impact of stress on children
While moderate, short-lived stress responses in the body can promote growth, toxic stress is the strong, unrelieved activation of the body’s stress management system in the absence of protective adult support. Without caring adults, toxic stress can weaken the developing brain, with long-term consequences for learning, behavior, and physical and mental health.
prevent aces now
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s “Prevent ACEs Now” explains early childhood adversity and gives simple actions to support families and help make a better future for all children possible in their community.