Early Childhood Development

Early Childhood Development

Healthy Development

The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Healthy development means that children of all abilities, including those with special health care needs, are able to grow up where their social, emotional and educational needs are met. Having a safe and loving home and spending time with family―playing, singing, reading, and talking―are very important. Proper nutrition, exercise, and rest also can make a big difference

The early years are critical to developing a lifelong love of reading. You can’t start reading to a child too soon!

·         Read together every day.

Read to your child every day. Make this a warm and loving time when the two of you can cuddle close together. Bedtime is an especially great time for reading together. Learn more by visiting Reading is Fundamental web site.

·         Give everything a name.

You can build comprehension skills early, even with the littlest child. Play games that involve naming or pointing to objects. Say things like, “Where’s your nose?” and then, “Where’s Mommy’s nose?” Or touch your child’s nose and say, “What’s this?”

·         Say how much you enjoy reading together.

Tell your child how much you enjoy reading with him or her. Look forward to this time you spend together. Talk about “story time” as the favorite part of your day.

·         Read with fun in your voice.

Read to your child with humor and expression. Use different voices for different characters. Ham it up!