Relationships Are Crucial for Learning
Parents are a child's first and most important teachers, caregivers, and decision makers. In their earliest years, children learn primarily through relationships. Parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors are all important for creating valuable interactions where a child feels safe, loved, appreciated, and challenged to learn physically, socially, cognitively, and emotionally.

Studies show that young children learn best when the significant adults in their life are interested in and engaged with them. It's not about expensive toys or being the perfect parent. It's about connecting with a child. A trip to the grocery store and making a meal together can create learning opportunities. Chores can become activities to learn about counting and colors.

Families and others who care for children understand that the early years are important. Yet many people do not think they have the time to prepare a child for school or do not know what steps to take in everyday moments to encourage learning. The following resources provide useful guidance to help parents and caregivers provide every child with a great start.

• Children's Home Society of Washington - Family support and parenting resources across the state and the online Parent Information and Resource Center.
• Parent Trust for Washington Children - Parenting tips, database of parenting classes, support groups, and family fun activities statewide.
• Zero to Three - A national site that focuses on the healthy development of babies and toddlers.
• Talaris Institute - Working to improve the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children from the prenatal period through age five by providing parents with tools to raise their children effectively.
• Born Learning - Washington - A network of statewide and local organizations reaching out with tips, tools, and connections for parents, caregivers, child care providers, and communities.

• Washington State Department of Early Learning Child Care & Preschool Options - Assistance with choosing high-quality child care.
• Washington State Child Care Resource and Referral Network - Parent Page - Tools to locate child care and find information on child development and caring for children with special needs.

"The quality of a child's relationships, environments, and experiences at home and in care settings has an enormous impact on the child's emotional well-being, cognitive abilities, and skill development."