Play Promotes Early Development: It’s Time for Play!
Children learn through play every single day. Watch these videos to find out what — and how — children learn as they play.
Curriculum
A high-quality, research-based curriculum promotes measurable progress toward children’s development. The content and learning outcomes of the curriculum align with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) and state early care and education standards. It provides guidance on what (content) and how (learning experiences and teaching practices) to teach. Content is drawn from current child development science, the interests and ideas of the children, family input, and the values of the community. A curriculum also provides ways to create nurturing and responsive practices, interactions, and environments that foster trust and emotional security. It helps families to actively engage in their child’s education. Staff use what they know about each child's strengths and needs and each family's goals to plan their use of the curriculum.
Designing Messy Play for Infants and Toddlers
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.
Make-Believe Play
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.
The Role of Music in Children’s Development
Learn how music benefits children’s cognitive and social development. Hear strategies for enhancing this development through music.
Music in Child Development
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.
Let's Talk About Music
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.
A Creative Adventure
Filmed in classrooms and home-based settings, the video demonstrates activities that allow children to use their imaginations and experience creative adventures.
Playing to Learn: Benefits of Play in Early Childhood
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.
Importance of Play in Early Childhood
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.