Early Childhood Development
Success By 6 is an initiative based on long-term research on brain development, quality child care, and successful early intervention. According to recent medical and scientific studies, the experiences of young children during their first six years have a lasting impact on their success in school and life. This research provides the underlying rationale for Success By 6. Success By 6 coalitions are raising awareness of the importance of early childhood development, increasing access to services, advocating for public policies and improving systems – budgets, laws and supports – to improve young lives and ensure children come to school ready to succeed.
Why Success By 6?
- Over 90% of brain development occurs before age six.
- Children in low wage families are at greatest risk of not being prepared to succeed in school.
- The 40-years of High/Scope Perry Preschool research demonstrates that investing $1 in a child’s pre-school success saves $17 down the road. (Source: highscope.org)
- Quality early learning reduces: crime rates, teenage pregnancy, welfare dependency, job training cost, grade repetition.
- Quality early learning increases: success in school, graduation rates, workforce readiness, job productivity and community engagement.
Montana is one of only 10 states that does not provide funding for preschool, pre-kindergarten programs.
BORN LEARNING
Born Learning is a national public engagement campaign helpings parents, grandparents, caregivers and communities create early learning opportunities for young children.
Turn everyday moments into fun learning opportunities, engage a child in play:
- Jump Right In - Playtime with a caregiver is invaluable to a child - whether you talk baby-talk or bounce a toddler on your knee.
- Forget The Rules - Add to a child’s play experiences by creating imaginative games and finding new ways to use his toys. Use blocks as flying cars or pretend to be a zoo animal. Encourage a child to make-believe and think creatively.
- Take A Break - Although children often learn the most when they interact with others, solitary play gives a child time to process and understand everything that he has been doing.
- Participate Enthusiastically - Encourage a child’s imagination by becoming involved wholeheartedly and going along with her games.
- Let A Child Guide Their Play - Let a child pick the activity and decide how it is played. Pay attention to the child’s mood and adapt the play accordingly.
- Watch For Over-Stimulation - It’s important to stop playing when your baby loses interest. He’ll tell you when he’s had enough by disengaging, turning his head, or starting to cry.
Children are constantly learning, right from birth. Their early years are the foundation for growth and development, and what they learn during those years depends on the experiences they have every day. This is our greatest challenge, as well as our greatest opportunity.
To learn more visit: Bornlearning.org
Watch these fun videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcRruTfrcLg&feature=player_embedded#at=15
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AvqRLDacGE&feature=player_embedded