Kansas Parents as Teachers Association

Neural Nugget: Between 0–3 years old, a child’s brain forms over 1 million neural connections per second. This time in life is the most pivotal, and also the most vulnerable for brain development. Early experiences shape cognitive development in early childhood.

We’ve made the science of baby brain development accessible for all. The Baby Brain Map is your interactive guide to early brain science. Start exploring now and help lay the foundation for healthy growth: https://bit.ly/4w3j4jg

In just ten minutes, you and your child can go on a listening walk. Bundle up and head outside for a walk.

You could choose to walk around your neighborhood, at a park, or in your backyard. As you walk, pause and listen to the sounds around you for three to five seconds. Then describe and name the sounds you heard. Continue your walk for another minute or so, then repeat the process of pause, listen, and describe and name the sounds. Repeat in this pattern throughout your walk. This is a great way to stretch your legs and disperse some energy while supporting the development of auditory discrimination, attention, and vocabulary expansion.

Submitted by: Jennifer Adams Oppenheimer, MA, CCC-SLP

Elevating Community Voice in Child Welfare Produced by James Bell Associates on behalf of the Children's Bureau, the series showcases innovative approaches used by federally funded projects to strengthen families and communities.

Kansas Office of Early Childhood | Home The Kansas Office of Early Childhood officially opened on July 1, 2026. The Office consolidated nearly 20 programs and is now the sole agency responsible for Kansas’ early childhood system, serving communities and stakeholders by developing a statewide strategy to expand access to early childhood ...

Registration is now open for the Kansas Home Visiting Conference on September 22nd!
Register here: https://www.dccca.org/event/kansas-home-visiting-conference/