Early childhood education is a hot topic — and for good reason.

Research is telling us, more convincingly than ever before, how important early learning is for children — and how kids’ success in school is in so many ways dependent on the foundations they build as a very young child. That with the right instruction and support from a young age, every child, no matter their socioeconomic background or language barriers, can be ready for success in Kindergarten and beyond.

• Social-emotional development and academic achievement are linked, so it’s important to engage children’s hearts and heads.
• It helps children make sense of their world when learning opportunities are connected across all areas: literacy, math, science, social studies, health, physical education and the arts.
• Children benefit greatly when the grown-ups in their lives — families and educators — work closely together.
• Literacy and language development are central to pro-social behavior and academic achievement.

Parents: Do you have any tips for how you’re putting these big ideas into practice at home? Please share!