Early Learning Resource Center Region 6

09/29/2026

A baby’s amygdala is already well developed at birth. And the connections between the amygdala and other parts of the brain continue to develop rapidly during infancy.

Connecting to a large network of the brain including the brainstem, the amygdala helps our brain notice and respond to emotionally important information. Newborns can recognize familiar sensory experiences, such as a familiar voices, smells, sights and touch, while discomfort or stress can activate physiological responses such as a faster heart rate, rapid breathing, a tense body or a grimace.

These early months are an important period of brain development. Research shows that wiring of the amygdala changes substantially during infancy, and individual differences in amygdala connectivity present shortly after birth have been associated with later differences in fear, sadness and internalizing mental health symptoms by age 2.

Explore the Baby Brain Map to learn more about the science of the developing brain and babies’ earliest experiences: https://bit.ly/4w3j4jg

09/28/2026

Staff burnout is one of the biggest challenges in early childhood programs.

This free mindfulness learning module from ZERO TO THREE helps early childhood staff manage stress while supporting children’s development: https://bit.ly/3Nztd3d

Created for early childhood educators and the directors who lead them.

09/25/2026

Your baby may not understand every word you say yet, but their brain is listening and learning.

Talking, singing and responding to their coos and babbles helps babies begin to make sense of sounds and language. Those simple back-and-forth interactions support the developing brain and lay the groundwork for future communication.

So keep talking. Your voice is doing more than you might think.

Learn how babies turn sounds into language: https://bit.ly/4gI5LxO

09/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DqK6mLhKC/

Toddlers are still learning how to communicate, so their behavior often speaks louder than their words. Between ages 1 and 3, they're learning to express emotions, test boundaries, explore their world, and become more independent. That's why it's completely normal to see:

- Frequent use of the word "no"
- Big reactions to changes in routine
- Tantrums when they're tired, overwhelmed, or can't express what they need
- Clinginess during separation or in new situations
- Defiance as they learn where the boundaries are

These behaviors aren't signs that something is wrong. They're part of healthy brain development.

Explore the Baby Brain Map, our interactive guide to the science of early brain development, and discover how everyday moments help build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being: https://bit.ly/4w3j4jg

09/22/2026

Encouraging School Readiness - From Birth to 3
From our friends at Zero to Three
Forget the worksheets. School readiness grows through play, relationships, and everyday experiences that build the social-emotional, language, cognitive and physical skills children need to thrive.

Read the article here ⬇
https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/encouraging-school-readiness-from-birth-to-3/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=sfmc&utm_campaign=08182026_ResourceCenter

09/21/2026

Did you know the important role that heavy work activities play in our ability to learn, focus, attend, and participate in everyday tasks? It’s true. We all need calming and organizing sensory input in the form of heavy work tasks that provide proprioceptive input through the muscles and joints.

💪Heavy work is a powerful support for organizing input in self-regulation.
🏋️‍♀️In the links below, we cover what heavy work is, when heavy work is needed, and specific heavy work strategies that kids of all ages can do at home, in the classroom, or in their therapy session.
https://www.theottoolbox.com/heavy-work-activities/
https://www.theottoolbox.com/age-appropriate-chores/

09/21/2026

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Sensory break ideas

09/21/2026

ZERO TO THREE recently announced Problem Solvers, a free, 44-unit early STEM curriculum with activities designed for children aged 2 ½ to 4 years of age. Each activity includes fun, age-appropriate STEM learning experiences, book suggestions and literacy activities that nurture STEM concepts, parent-child STEM play suggestions in English and Spanish, and more.

Download the entire curriculum at www.zerotothree.org/ProblemSolvers

09/21/2026

Parallel play is more social than it looks.

Two toddlers may be side by side, each focused on their own toys, with barely a word between them. But a lot of learning can be happening. They’re watching, imitating, exploring, communicating. And getting more comfortable sharing space with other children.

For early childhood professionals, these everyday moments can offer a window into a child’s social, language, cognitive and motor development.

And an important reminder: stages of play aren’t rigid deadlines. Children may move between different types of play depending on the activity, setting and people around them.

Learn more about parallel play, what to look for and how to support it without forcing interaction: https://bit.ly/4hf7xI5

09/14/2026

ELRC 6 News September 2026 -

ECE providers are directly responsible for the safety of children during emergencies. Knowing emergency procedures ensures that staff can act quickly and effectively to keep children safe. Check these organizations for helpful resources on Emergency Preparedness in Child Care Child Care Aware® of A...