What Young Children Need to Be Ready for Kindergarten

National Association for the Education of Young Children Early Years are Learning Years - Short Articles for Parents and Caregivers.

"From Neurons to Neighborhood: The Science of Early Development" A key resource book that explains how early life experiences and relationships affect the brain development, health, and well-being of children.

AAP Policy Statement Quality Early Education and Child Care From Birth to Kindergarten.

National Center for Children in Poverty Resources to Promote Social and Emotional Health and School Readiness in Young Children and Families: A Community Guide.

National Child Care Information Center State Initiatives and Resources to Support School Readiness/Prekindergarten.

Expressing Warmth and Affection, Helping Children Build Relationships

The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) This National center provides many resources and tools that focus on strengthening the capacity of child care and Head Start programs to improve the social and emotional outcomes of young children.

What Works Briefs These CSEFEL resources offer effective practices for supporting children's social emotional development and preventing challenging behaviors. The Briefs describe practical strategies, provide references to more information about the practice, and include a one-page handout that highlights the major points of the Brief. These briefs are available in both English and Spanish. The following briefs relate to this topic:

Training Modules These CSEFEL modules are based on input gathered during focus groups with program administrators, training and technical assistance providers, early educators, and family members about the types and content of training that would be most useful in addressing the social-emotional needs of young children. The content of the modules is consistent with evidence-based practices identified through a thorough review of the literature. The following briefs relate to this topic:

Health and Safety Notes The California Child Care Health Program developed a fact sheet on the "Value of Play". This document provides an overview on the importance of play, types and stages of play, and ways to encourage play. Many other helpful resources are available on this comprehensive site.

Evidence-based Competencies Directors of early care and education programs may use the competencies to assure that their staff members are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote social and emotional development and address challenging behavior.

Positive Solutions for Families This 4-page brochure provides parents with eight practical tips they can use when their young children exhibit challenging behavior. Each tip includes a brief explanation and an example to show parents how they might use the specific approach with their own family in everyday life.

What Works Briefs These CSEFEL resources offer effective practices for supporting children's social emotional development and preventing challenging behaviors. The Briefs describe practical strategies, provide references to more information about the practice, and include a one-page handout that highlights the major points of the Brief. These briefs are available in both English and Spanish. The following briefs relate to this topic:

Training ModulesThese CSEFEL modules are based on input gathered during focus groups with program administrators, training and technical assistance providers, early educators, and family members about the types and content of training that would be most useful in addressing the social-emotional needs of young children. The content of the modules is consistent with evidence-based practices identified through a thorough review of the literature. The following briefs relate to this topic:

Zero to Three's Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood, Revised (DC:0-3R)

Resources on Biting:

Information on Time-Out The National Association for the Education of Young Children provides an overview of the purpose of discipline for young children discouraging inappropriate behavior.

What Works Briefs Brief 14: The Role of Time-Out in a Comprehensive Approach for Addressing Challenging Behaviors of Preschool Children

Behavior Problems The ECELS program at the American Academy of Pediatrics PA Chapter developed a fact sheet to help those that care for children to understand why children act out.

Temperament and Regularity The California Childcare Health Program developed a fact sheet to help child care providers understand how to work with children's individual temperaments and regularities.