Messy play is the open-ended exploration of materials and their properties. Learn ways to manage the mess as children learn foundational cognitive principles and exercise motor, language, and social skills.

This suite highlights the key components of make-believe play. It describes what play looks like for children ages birth to 5 and provides practical ways to support make-believe play for all children.

From an early age, the arts can help children communicate and connect. Discover how arts experiences support young children's development across the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework domains.

Learn how music benefits children’s cognitive and social development. Hear strategies for enhancing this development through music. 

Play is an important part of learning across the early childhood years. In this webinar, learn how play builds critical cognitive and behavioral skills across the birth to age 5 years. Find out what play looks like for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. 

Not only is music enjoyable for infants and toddlers, but it can also provide a connection to home, opportunities to learn, and a way to connect with caring adults. Explore this useful information for teachers, home visitors, and parents about how music supports development across domains.

Find out how music can support infants’ and toddlers’ learning in all domains. Learn how adults can adapt songs to fit children’s age and development.

Filmed in classrooms and home-based settings, the video demonstrates activities that allow children to use their imaginations and experience creative adventures.

Play benefits every aspect of child development as infants and toddlers explore their world and their bodies, while also learning about and mastering relationships and social skills.