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Parents as the First Teachers
Helping Our Children Grow Strong and Smart

As the father of three children, I remember how exciting their early years were but also how much there was for my children to learn -- and for me. Every day Faye and I faced a new challenge and a new question. These little individuals come to us with unlimited promise and possibility, and as parents it is our job to make the most of their special gifts.

Research has shown that a child's brain grows and develops the most during the first three years of life. That iswhy it is so important to make the most of their early years. Helping our children grow strong will prepare them to be ready to read, ready to learn, ready to achieve and ready to succeed.

I am proud to present this website, "Parents as the First Teachers." It is a clearinghouse of links about early childhood development. There are links to websites to learn more about early childhood development and parenting, child care, children's health care and educational activities, as well as organizations working on behalf of children and other collections of links on childhood.

Development & Parenting

Zero to Three: This website is a product of the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families. The parent's page provides a list of parenting topics from a to z, weekly tips and frequently asked questions.

Smart Start: "The Parent Resource Guide" helps parents know what to expect in their child's development from birth through age five as well as information on child care, health care and other topics.

Family Education: Parenting tips, expert advice and fun suggestions for family activities separated by ages and categories are provided.

Click here for more links on development & parenting

Child Care

Head Start: Head Start is a federally-funded comprehensive child development programs that serves children from birth to age 5, pregnant women, and their families. Head Start has the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low-income families.

Smart Start: With locations in all 100 North Carolina counties, Smart Start provides services to improve the quality of child care, make child care more affordable and accessible, provide access to health services and offer family support.

More at Four: The State of North Carolina funds this community-based, voluntary pre-kindergarten initiative designed to prepare at-risk four-year-olds in North Carolina for success in school.

Click here for more links on child care

Health Care

American Academy of Pediatrics: The Parent's Corner offers advice on health issues and a search function for finding a pediatrician.

The North Carolina Pediatric Society: The mission of the North Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North Carolina Pediatric Society is to improve the health and well being of children.

KidsHealth: KidsHealth is a project of The Nemours Foundation and provides articles and commonsense advice on issues ranging from general children's health to growth and development to emotions and behavior.

Click here for more links on health care

Educational Activities

Teachers and Families: Educational activities for pre-school, study units for K-12 students, and information for parents are listed.

Idea Box-Early Childhood Education and Activity Resources: Ideas for fun and educational activities for kids are divided into easy to use categories for activities, games, music, recipes, and crafts.

Preschool Express: Preschool Express has a variety of activities to entertain, challenge and enrich the learning experiences of children ages 2 to 6 as well as articles on children's learning.

Organizations

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: The website for North Carolina's public schools has resources for parents and a SUCCESS section on early childhood development.

National PTA: The National PTA website has a section devoted to parents' involvement in their children's education.

Parents as Teachers National Center: This international early childhood parent education and family support program serves families throughout pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5.

Click here for more links to organizations

Website Collections

FirstGov.gov for Parents: A collection of links on becoming a parent, babies and preschoolers, and young children.

Child and Family Webguide: A collection of links and resources on family, education, development and health care.

Educational Internet Dictionary: A collection of links and activities for parents to use instructing their children before kindergarten.

 

   
   
   
   

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