Resources

During early childhood development, a child’s mind and body goes through tremendous changes. Numerous websites aim to help families and teachers understand and capitalize on those changes. The first five websites listed below offer information, activities, and research into the development of young children, making them valuable Resources for those working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and K-2 grade children.  For early learning educators these are reliable, research-based, and dynamic sites that will help them be better equipped to help the children in their care.

Research-Based Institutions and Organizations

CENTER ON THE DEVELOPING CHILD | HARVARD UNIVERSITY

The articles published on The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University feature the thoughts and insights of some of the world’s leading educators and thinkers on the development of a young child’s mind, body, and temperament. The site includes information designed especially for educators, as well as breaking news about current research studies that affect early childhood educators. Videos, briefs, and papers on almost any topic relating to early childhood development are also available.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN | NAEYC

The NAEYC is the largest organization in the world dedicated entirely to working for the betterment of young children.) It is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8. The NAEYC has multiple Resources on early childhood development and education. Teachers of young children will find information here to help them relate to early learners and understand their development better. It is responsible for Young Children and Teaching Young Children magazines.

ZERO TO THREE

ZERO TO THREE is an organization dedicated to the understanding of children from infancy to age 3. It brings together leaders in the fields of medicine, mental health, social science research, child development with the goal of delivering quality programs, products, and services to millions nationwide and across the globe.

ZERO TO THREE offers information on behavior and development that teachers can draw from to help them better care for young children. Teachers will find detailed information about the educational and developmental needs of their students at this site, as well as information on how to better work with parents, making it one of the best early childhood development websites for those working with infants and toddlers.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT

The National Association for Child Development offers several Resources for children of all ages. It covers everything from disorders that can affect learning to home schooling and even advice for helping children achieve their best. It is broken down into several sub-sites focused on specific types of problems or concerns for teachers. The National Association for Child Development site can be used for early childhood teachers looking to help students reach their full potential.

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Academy of Pediatrics, a professional organization of 67,000 pediatricians, is committed to the optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

WASHINGTON STATE ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN | WAEYC

WAEYC is dedicated to providing quality professional development opportunities, advocating for equitable compensation for early childhood practitioners, and supporting early education that is inclusive, culturally relevant, and promotes anti-bias. WAEYC sponsors and annual state conference that brings together providers of services across the state as well as leaders in the field.

WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Created in 2017, this agency includes all Department of Early Learning services, such as the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program for preschoolers, Working Connections Child Care, and Home Visiting.