Children begin learning in the womb. From the moment they’re born, interaction with the world around them helps them build crucial skills. For example:

• By 3 months of age, babies can recognize people they know.
• By 8 to 12 months, babies can recognize themselves in the mirror.
• From 18 months to preschool age, children can learn nine new words each day.

Children learn all kinds of basic skills and concepts from the people and world around them:

• In the first few years of life, children start to become independent, learning how to act and how to control their emotions and behaviors.
• They learn language; math skills such as shapes, numbers, and counting; pre-reading skills like how to hold a book and follow along as someone reads to them; and, with them, skills for lifelong learning.
• They also start forming relationships of trust and develop ways to handle and resolve problems.

Making sure children have good learning experiences during their early years—whether at home, in childcare, or in preschool—will support their lifelong learning, health, and well-being.

Early learning paves the way for learning at school and throughout life. What children learn in their first few years of life—and how they learn it—can have long-lasting effects on their success and health as children, teens, and adults.

Studies show that supporting children’s early learning can lead to:

• Higher test scores from preschool to age 21
• Better grades in reading and math
• A better chance of staying in school and going to college
• Fewer teen pregnancies
• Improved mental health
• Lower risk of heart disease in adulthood
• A longer lifespan

A child’s home, family, and daily life have a strong effect on his or her ability to learn. Parents and guardians can control some things in their child’s life and environment, but not everything.

Some factors that can affect early learning include :

• Parents’ education
• Family income
• The number of parents in the home
• Access to books and play materials
• Stability of home life
• Going to preschool
• Quality of child care
• Stress levels and exposure to stress (in the womb, as an infant, and as a child)
• How many languages are spoken at home

A child's home, family, and daily life have a strong effect on his or her ability to learn.

You are your child's first teacher, and every day is filled with opportunities to help him or her learn. You can help by:

• Reading to your child, beginning when she or he is born
• Pointing out and talking with your child about the names, colors, shapes, numbers, sizes, and quantities of objects in his or her environment
• Listening and responding to your child as he or she learns to communicate
• Practicing counting together

Basic things like getting enough sleep and eating a healthy diet are also important for a child's brain development and ability to learn. Creating a stable home with routines and support encourages children to learn and explore. Loud background sounds in the home (televisions, stereos, video games) can be distracting and stressful to young children and should be turned off or the volume lowered when they are present.

A good child care or preschool program also helps a child to learn and grow.

School readiness refers to having the skills, knowledge, abilities, and attitudes needed for success in school and for later learning and life.
School readiness includes:

• The child’s ability to meet milestones appropriate for their stage of development, including motor skills, language development, and general knowledge; their curiosity and enthusiasm; and their ability to explore and try new things
• The environment provided by the school, including high-quality instruction, leadership, appropriate teacher training, and support of relationships with parents and the community
• Appropriate support from the child’s family and community, such as daily learning opportunities and supporting the child’s mental and physical health