Early Essentials Introduction
Explore the Early Essentials video series. Learn what Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, and child care staff can do to support infant and toddler development and learning.
School Readiness
School readiness is foundational across early childhood systems and programs. It means children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children's learning, and schools are ready for children. Head Start views school readiness as children possessing the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for success in school and for later learning and life. Physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development are all essential ingredients of school readiness. Managers, teaching staff, caregivers, family advocates, and families can learn more about creating enriching and supportive learning environments for young children ages birth to 5.
Family Engagement and School Readiness: Building on Family Strengths to Promote Success
Explore this resource to learn how supporting families in their relationships with their children promotes learning, healthy development, and later success in school and in life.
ELOF2GO Mobile App
Learn more about the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) anywhere you go, by downloading this useful mobile app designed for teachers.
Healthy Children Are Ready to Learn
Health connects to school readiness long before a child enters school. Healthy development continues to support learning throughout childhood and later life. "Health in the earliest years—actually beginning with the future mother's health before she becomes pregnant—lays the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being…"
Community Partnerships
Communities support families' interests and needs and encourage parent and family engagement in children's learning.
Families as Lifelong Educators
Parents and families observe, guide, promote, and participate in the everyday learning of their children at home, school, and in their communities.
Early Essentials Webisode 9 Practice Moment: Language Development
Use this video to guide reflection and enhance practices that support language development with infants, toddlers, and their families.
Let's Talk About Nourishment
Explore the relationship between nutrition and nourishment. Learn how to use feedings and mealtimes to support infants’ and toddlers’ overall development.
Approaches to Learning Preschool
Domain: Social and Emotional Development
Head Start Approach to School Readiness: FAQs
The Head Start Approach to School Readiness means that children are ready for school, families are ready to support their children's learning, and schools are ready for children.