Preschool education, early learning activities and development ideas that help young children build foundational skills, confidence, curiosity and a positive approach to learning.
As families rush into the autumn season, experts suggest embracing a slower approach that allows children to connect with nature, observe seasonal changes, and find joy in small moments rather than structured activities. September has a way of tempting families…
New data reveals that a significant proportion of Italian infants are not exposed to read-aloud activities, raising concerns about early language development and prompting nationwide efforts to improve early childhood literacy. In Italy, more than half of babies aged two…
Child-development specialists emphasise the importance of talking, exploring, and daily interactions over formal lessons for one-year-olds, urging parents to focus on participation and responding to developmental milestones without unnecessary pressure. For parents worrying that a first birthday should be followed…
Recent studies across African countries highlight that expanding nursery and kindergarten access alone is insufficient; sustainable improvements depend on classroom quality, teacher training, emotional support, and family engagement, offering critical insights for policymakers aiming to boost early childhood outcomes. African…
Experts emphasise that recognising early signs of communication in infants and toddlers is crucial for timely support, with routine screenings and personalised interventions being key to fostering language skills before speech fully develops. The first recognisable word is a milestone,…
California’s push for universal early childhood care hits financial and logistical hurdles, highlighting the need for bold reform to support families and providers ahead of a potential political breakthrough in funding. California has secured the school-based part of its early-years…
As autumn links sensory activities to cognitive, emotional and motor skills development, experts advocate for safer, simplified methods that emphasise tactile discovery over messy setups, promoting mindful play for young children. Autumn sensory play is increasingly being pitched as a…
Mainstream health bodies in the US are emphasising the importance of early action for concerns about children’s development, encouraging parents to seek timely advice rather than delay with a ‘wait and see’ approach amidst widespread parental worries. Parents who keep…
Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus is integrating literacy assessments into routine pre-school check-ups, aiming to improve school readiness and address longstanding literacy disparities through innovative paediatric interventions. Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus is trying to turn the ordinary pre-school check-up…
Despite increasing childcare places and staff, Austria’s recent expansion shows minimal improvements in daily conditions and ongoing regional funding disparities, prompting calls for improved quality and better resource coordination. Austria has widened childcare provision over recent years, but the expansion…
A new study from the University of Georgia highlights that children who enjoy alone time may not be experiencing loneliness, provided they still feel connected to their peer groups. The findings challenge common assumptions about social withdrawal in childhood. A…
Queensland has transitioned its statewide school-entry vision screening scheme from a pilot to a permanent service, screening over 400,000 children since 2016 and refining methods to better identify visual problems early in childhood. Queensland’s school-entry eye screening scheme has shifted…
