Websites of Interest and Information for Parents of Young Children

• Zero to Three - Excellent site containing resources for working with infants, toddlers and families. It has information on a variety of topics such as brain development, child care, and developmental stages.





• Ready at Five Partnership - Ready at Five Partnership is committed to increasing the number of children entering school ready to succeed.  Parents can obtain tips and activities to encourage age-appropriate language development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills. There are publications designed specifically for parents as well as suggestions for working with children’s teachers.
   

• Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning - The focus is on promoting the social and emotional development of children as a means of preventing challenging behaviors.  This site is primarily for child care and Head Start programs.

  National Association for the Education of Young Children -NAEYC provides resources and information for parents as guidance for choosing the best possible care and education for their children. 

  Child Welfare League of America - This site has information on a wide range of topics, such as child and family development, child welfare, children with incarcerated parents, cultural diversity, etc.    

  Maryland Public Schools- “Take 15 for the Family” tells how to make everyday activities into opportunities for learning.  The information on the Family Literacy Program provides activities for family-centered early childhood education.

  Family Fun - This site is sponsored by Disney. Topics include ages and stages, activities and crafts, recipes, parties, raising kids, and travel.

  Fun Brain - The site provides games in several subject areas for various ages It has been featured in Christian Science Monitor, Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Entertainment Weekly. There are sections for parents, teachers, and children.  There is some advertising in the site, but games can be downloaded without advertising, to be played at home.

  Family Education Network -  This site has a broader scope than the Fun Brain site.  Education partners include: National PTA, ASCD, the Council for Exceptional Children, the National Assoc. for Music Education, Reading is Fundamental and others.  Information is offered on healthy eating, safety, entertainment, tips for developing pre-reading skills, learning disabilities, ADHD, and many other topics.  Free software is offered.  There is advertising, which funds the site.

  I Am Your Child Foundation - This non-profit organization, founded by actor/director Rob Reiner, was formed to raise awareness of the importance of early childhood development and school readiness.  The section on tips and linking websites would be useful for parents.

  Tufts University Child and Family WebGuide - This site provides links for parents and professionals to sites evaluated by experts  from Tufts University.  Topics include Family/Parenting, Education/Learning, Typical Child Development, Health/Mental Health, and Resources/Recreation.

  Illinois Early Learning Project - Parents can click on “Early Learning Web Links” to locate resource sites on early childhood topics.  Information is available in English, Polish, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

  First Signs - First Signs is dedicated to the early identification and intervention of developmental delays and disorders. 

  Countdown to Kindergarten - Learning begins at Birth

  Resources and Activity Ideas for Early Learning and School Readiness