Parents & Caregivers: A Child’s First Teacher

Supporting Your Child’s Growth Across All Development Areas

From the very beginning, children learn and grow through the everyday moments they share with their parents and caregivers. Whether it’s reading a bedtime story, exploring the backyard, or cooking together in the kitchen, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. The love, attention, and guidance you provide lay the foundation for how your child will think, feel, and interact with the world.

Children grow and learn in many different ways, and each area of development is important. By diving into these domains, you can support your child’s learning and help them reach their full potential.

Flip cards to learn more about each developmental domain! Explore our pages for local resources and milestone guides. Thank you for allowing us to support your family!

Cognitive

Your child’s brain is constantly growing. Problem-solving, asking questions, and exploring new ideas help them develop critical thinking and curiosity. Simple activities like sorting toys or playing memory games make a big difference.

Language & Communication

Every conversation, story, or song builds your child’s ability to express themselves and understand others. Talking with your child about daily activities, reading together, and listening to their ideas strengthens their communication skills.

Social & Emotional

Learning to understand feelings, share, take turns, and make friends helps your child navigate relationships. Offering support, encouragement, and modeling empathy helps them feel secure and confident.

Physical Motor Skills

Gross motor skills like running, jumping, and climbing, along with fine motor skills like drawing or buttoning clothes, support overall health and independence. Encouraging active play helps children grow strong bodies and minds.

Creativity

Creativity helps children explore ideas, solve problems, and express themselves. Art, music, dramatic play, and imaginative games spark curiosity and self-expression.

"Play is the work of the child."

-Maria Montessori

Quest, Age 3

Sign Up for Our Newsletter