1. Maximize Love, Manage Stress
When you respond to young children with loving smiles, words and touch they learn their world is safe and predictable, so they develop a sense of security and self-control.
Every Child Deserves a Great Start at Life
The Basics are strategies that caregivers can implement in the early years of life to improve the quality of interactions with children. These seven strategies require no extra cost or materials and can be incorporated in everyday routines.
2. Talk, Sing, Point
Respond to children’s sounds and words with eye contact and pointing to their surroundings to help them follow along.
3. Count, Group, Compare
Every child’s brain is wired for math. Talk about basic math concepts such as numbers, shapes, patterns, and comparison to help build a foundation for learning.
4. Explore Through Movement and Play
Pay attention to what interests your child and build on that curiosity as they learn through play and exploration.
5. Read and Discuss Stories
Use books as a way to teach children about the world and turn them into confident thinkers. For infants, this can look like pointing at pictures and using your tone of voice to narrate with excitement.
6. Take Turns
Back and forth interactions while you talk, play, or explore with your child are important for brain development.
7. Stretch
Build on what your child says by asking follow-up questions that expands on their thinking and learning.
Content supplied by www.thebasics.org
Helpful Links
Butte County Quality Rated Participating Providers
Locate a high quality early care provider or educator near you.
Steps to Quality Rating Criteria
Learn the criteria we follow to rate programs on a scale of 1–5.
Talk, Read, Sing
A learning and activity center to explore different ways to engage with your child.
VROOM
Boost your child’s learning with fast and fun tips.
Track Your Child’s Milestones
Free tools to help you know what to look for in your child.
All About Young Children
Information for families on children’s early development.
Help Me Grow California
Developmental screenings to detect developmental and behavioral delays in children.
Brain Building Moments
Fun activities that turn everyday moments into brain-building moments.