Children begin learning from the moment they are born. Humans learn more in the first five years than we will in the rest of our years combined. The first three years are a particularly amazing time. Children learn to walk, talk, use the toilet, interact with others in an appropriate social manner and grasp early cognitive and literacy skills that provide the basis for future learning. High quality early childhood education is important for children to build a strong base.

Early childhood education doesn't necessarily mean children should be placed in childcare centers or preschools. Parents can give their children a solid foundation at home. Early childhood education begins with relationships. Babies need to have the opportunity to develop nurturing and safe relationships. Consistent caregivers that meet the baby’s needs and provide affection and stimulation are very important. If a parent can't be with their baby during the day, they should seek out a high quality alternative. Childcare centers should have low turnover and low caregiver to child ratios. Consistency is very important. Little brains can't prepare for learning if they don't know if they are safe or will have their needs met.

Young children learn by observing the world around them. Let your baby look and crawl around. Let them touch things (that are safe for little ones to handle). Talk to them about what they are seeing. Say things like, "Oh, you see a purple flower! Isn't it pretty? Look at the bee that just landed on it!" Babies and toddlers should be read to often and exposed to wide assortment of words. Research shows that the more words a child knows when he enters kindergarten the greater his chances are at having academic success at school.

Research also shows that if a child shows up to kindergarten behind her peers, she most likely won't ever catch up. This doesn't mean you should enroll your child in a highly academic preschool program. In fact, that may do more harm than good. Children need to be exposed to activities that build knowledge and skills in a developmentally appropriate way. Children learn through play, not worksheets and flashcards. Children learn a variety of math and science concepts while playing with blocks, including geometry, physics and arithmetic. The same is true of almost every play activity. Engaging children through play and exploration is the key to high quality and meaningful early childhood education.