The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) lists "12 Principles of Child Development and Learning". The list includes all areas of development and learning are important, sequential, proceeds at various rates, result from interactions, maturation and experiences, and in a variety of ways. Early experiences have a profound impact, with each area of development moving children toward great complexity, self-regulation, and symbolic capacities and is impacted by the world around them. Children learn best through PLAY which helps them grow in managing feelings and behaviors, relationships with friends and adults, while being able to build a bigger vocabulary.
South Dakota Specific Resources
South Dakota Bright Start - Comprehensive early childhood initiative
South Dakota Head Start Collaboration Office
South Dakota Head Start Association
South Dakota Newborn Hearing Screening
South Dakota Parent Connection We connect families caring for children/youth (ages birth to 26) with the full range of disabilities or special health care needs to information, training and resources in an environment of support, hope and respect.
SDSD South Dakota School for the Deaf has worked to provide quality educational programs and support services for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families.
South Dakota Department of Health Child & Family Services
South Dakota WIC: Public health & nutrition program for pregnant women and birth to age 5
South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center
South Dakota Center for the Prevention of Childhood Maltreatment
SDPBS Early Learning Initiative
Center for Disabilities University of South Dakota
For Baby's Sake: Healthier moms + Healthier babies
Statewide 211 SD Community Resources
Strong South Dakota Families: Access to the services and programs that can help you make the best decision for your family.
Resources to support children's growth, development and safety
American Academy of Pediatrics
Birth to Five Watch Me Thrive Video
Bright by TEXT: make the most of everyday interactions between parent and child!
Caring for Our Children - National Health and Safety Guidelines
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Developmental Milestones
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Act Early in Spanish
Center for Early Literacy Learning: Evidence-based early literacy learning practices for early childhood intervention practitioners, parents, and providers.
Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA): Improving Systems, Practices and Outcomes in Early Childhood
Fussy Baby Network: Family support from infant specialists (available in English and Spanish)
Pathways: Milestones, activities, videos, resources.
ReadyRosie: Helping Families and schools work together.
Vroom: Brain-building tips in English or Spanish in weekly texts.
Zero to Three: Promotes healthy development of infants and toddlers.
Early learning guidelines from Head Start Region VIII states:
Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines
Montana Early Learning Standards
North Dakota Early Learning Standards (birth-kind.)
Utah Early Learning Standards (3-5)
Wyoming Early Learning Guidelines (0-3)
North Carolina Foundations for Learning and Development: Used as a guide to develop SD ELG
National Resources
Early Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)
National Association for Family Child Care: Support and resources for providers in family child care.
National Association of the Education of Young Children: Promoting high-quality learning by connecting practice, policy, and research.
National Head Start Association
Preschool During the Pandemic: Episode Series of Early Education in Extraordinary Times
The Children's Reading Foundation: Activities, pintable's, and games to help develop a child's love or reading together and playing with a purpose.
Websites with Free Activities
Children's Museum of South Dakota
Dr. Jean: Lots of free activities from Dr. Jean
Highlights Magazine for Kids: Hidden Pictures and Puzzles
Lakeshore Learning Crafts: Crafts linked to Math, Social Studies, Language, Science, Seasonal, Just for Fun.
SESAME STREET: Games, videos, art and more
Sesame Street in Communities: Resources, videos, activities, professional development and more
Starfall: Math, Language, Music and Seasonal