Early Learning As The Foundation For Academic Success
When children are born, they immediately start absorbing the world around them and learning through relationships with their parents and caregivers. Research indicates that a child’s most important brain development occurs before the age of five – influencing their future growth and development. Quality early learning experiences provide the foundation for a child’s future success academically, emotionally and socially.
Here are some ways you can help provide a strong foundation for young children:
- Recognize that learning starts at birth – as soon as children are born, they need stimulation and interaction to help their brains develop and to help them make the connections needed to learn about the world around them.
- Children learn as they play – when children play, they have the opportunity to learn motor skills, identify objects and figure out how things work.
- Love and affection help promote intellectual development – research shows that children who receive love and affection learn better. In addition to helping them feel relaxed and happy, love and affection help them feel confident, which promotes intellectual development.
- The sound of your voice helps develop literacy – babies are especially interested in sounds which help develop speech and language skills.
For more information on the importance of early learning, click on the links below:
- First Things First - Arizona's Early Childhood and Health Development initiative is a valuable resource for parents and communities. Learn more about the importance of early care and education as well as what's happening in our state to improve care for our youngest children.
- PreK Now - A valuable source of current news, studies and information about early education for parents, educators, policymakers, business leaders and others.
- Born Learning – A comprehensive resource for parents, families and caregivers of young children. Learn more about the importance of the early years and receive helpful tips about how you can nurture the social, emotional and cognitive development of children birth to five.
- Civitas - Powerful information for parents, professionals and grandparents. Tips and tools easily accessible for helping young children grow up healthy and ready to learn.
- Zero to Three - For those interested in learning more about the importance of the early years of learning and development in addition to public policy issues affecting young children.