Early Learning

pre-school storytimeEarly learning focuses on learning from birth to year 5 to better prepare children for success in school. Research demonstrates that learning begins at birth and that high-quality early learning programs help children arrive in kindergarten ready to succeed in school and in life. The focus of the Early Learning priority is to support early learning from birth through third grade with seamless transitions between preschool, kindergarten and elementary school.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) supports this goal by

  • fostering high quality early learning approaches,
  • supporting early learning professionals’ development, and
  • expanding learning opportunities for early learners.
In addition, ED has created the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes.


  • Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcome
  • Child Care and Early Education Research Connections
  • Find What Works
  • Early Head Start National Resource Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families
  • Education Resources Information Center
  • National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health
  • National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
  • National Association of Early Childhood Specialists in State Departments of Education
  • Office of Child Care's Child Care Technical Assistance Network (CCTAN)
  • Colorado – Early Learning and School Readiness
  • Kansas – Early Childhood
  • Louisiana – Early Childhood
  • Missouri – Early Learning
  • New Mexico – Early Childhood Education Bureau
  • Oklahoma – Early Childhood and Family Education