This resource contains examples of digital tools, including apps and websites, for parents and children to support learning across all areas of development. Teachers, family child care providers, and home visitors can share these with families or incorporate them into distance learning activities with children and families while programs are closed.
The chart below contains examples of digital tools for parents, older toddlers, and preschoolers. The digital tools for parents with asterisks promote face-to-face interactions between families and their children. They offer parents ways to interact and talk with their child during everyday family routines and activities. The apps and website for older toddlers and preschoolers offer engaging, interactive experiences that support learning in multiple domains. Teachers, family child care providers, and home visitors can share these tools with families or incorporate them into distance learning activities with children and families while programs are closed.
Texting Services (Data Costs May Apply)
| Title | Language | Age | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bright by Text Need internet connection to access links | English, Spanish | B-8 years | Tips and information to help with children's language and development |
| READY4K! | English, Spanish, Arabic | B-8 years | Three tips on one topic each week to promote language, literacy, and other developmental areas by age |
Apps (Available on Apple and Android Devices)
| Title | Language | Age | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning with Babble | English, Spanish | B-4 years | Short tips for language-rich interactions |
Need Internet connection to access links | English, Spanish | B-5 years | Everyday activities to help language and brain development |
| Little Chickies (Los Pollitos) by Canticos - Sing, Play & Learn with Latino Nursery Rhymes | Song available in 8 languages | 2-5 years | Four simple, open-ended activities support multilingual learning, creativity, fine motor skills, visual awareness. Song is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi |
| Sago Mini | English | 2-5 years | Children build a gnome village by moving around various block pieces and accessories. Builds children's creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. |
(Peep and the Big Wide World, PBS) | English, Spanish | 3-5 years | Offers an array of short videos and tutorials to introduce the science of colors. Adults and children explore colors through hands-on activities that use the scientific method in a fun, challenging way. |
(PBS Kids) | English | 3-5 years | Offers a variety of engaging STEM mini-games and activities; includes supplemental materials and suggestions for adult/child interaction (future updates include Spanish option) |
Website (Requires Internet Connection)
| Title | Language | Age | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peg + Cat (PBS Kids) | English | 3-5 years | Offers math-based number, measurement, shape, and pattern games, short video adventures, and full-length Peg + Cat videos/episodes |
For more information about using media with young children, check out Tech Time for Infants and Toddlers from the Illinois Early Learning Project (webpage available in multiple languages) and Screen-Use Tips for Parents of Children Under Three from Zero to Three.
For more information about digital resources for children, see:
- Digital Remote Learning (NC Office of Early Learning)
- Notable Children's Digital Media 2021 (Association for Library Service to Children)
- Common Sense Media (search apps by age)
Read more:
Resource Type: Publication
National Centers: Early Childhood Development, Teaching and Learning
Last Updated: September 12, 2024