Early Learning

Children begin learning in the womb. Good learning experiences during their early years—whether at home, in childcare, or in preschool—will support their lifelong learning, health, and well-being.

Early learning paves the way for learning throughout life. What children learn in their first few years of life—and how they learn it—can have long-lasting effects on their success and health.

A child’s home, family, and daily life have a strong effect on his or her ability to learn. Parents and guardians can control some things in their child’s life and environment, but not everything.

Early learning can improve children’s health and have long-lasting benefits. Studying which factors affect early learning and education will help researchers identify opportunities for real impact.

Every day is filled with opportunities to help your child learn. You can help by reading out loud, teaching through conversation, listening and responding, and practicing counting together.

NICHD conducts and supports research on early learning and on disorders associated with early learning.

NICHD conducts and supports a variety of clinical research projects related to early learning.

Find answers to other common questions about early learning, such as where to find information about early educational programs and what is "school readiness."

Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about early learning.