Keys to quality early learning

Quality early learning opportunities can happen everywhere; at home, out in the community, and in early learning programs. Here are some tips and resources that promote quality early learning.

Families

Remember that every moment is a learning experience and how you interact with young children affect their early learning. Key aspects of family interactions that promote quality early learning include:

• a home life that makes the child feel safe and secure
• proper health and nutrition
• family time-the more time that parents can spend playing with and talking to their children, the better!

For more tips, check out our page on simple ways to promote quality early learning in our young children,  www.bornlearning.org and www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

Early Learning Programs

There are documented aspects to an early learning program that promote quality early learning. Some of these aspects are:

• Teachers who are educated and experienced in early childhood and child development
• Class size ratios (number of children per teacher) that allow the teacher to spend time with each child. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has best practice guidelines for each age group. For example, the ideal child size ratio for a pre-kindergarten program would be two adults (one teacher and one teacher aide) for 17 children.
• Learning activities that are appropriate for the child's age and development. Quality programs have a curriculum in place to guide these activities.
• Regular communication with parents about how the child is doing and his/her development.

For more tips, check out the questions you should ask of those who are providing early learning to your child.

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