The new Early Learning GPS is a great tool for all families who want to learn what they need to know and can do to help their young child learn and grow. It is a great way for families to learn on their own, with a professional one-on-one, or as part of a parenting class.
The Early Learning GPS helps families get reliable answers to questions like:
- When does my baby start “learning?”
- What do I do if my friend’s child (whose the same age as mine) can do things my child can’t?
- How do I know if my child will be safe with others when I’m not there?
- After a family answers a question, they receive a simple video tip and links to reliable resources. Families can save their favorite tips and resources to their child’s map as well as:
- Follow their child’s milestones;
- Find fun family activities based on Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Standards;
- Compare child care/ early learning programs;
- Create to-dos and notes;
- Upload photos of your child and family; and
- Search for local organizations that can provide additional help.
The child’s map will grow with him until kindergarten!
All of the information is from reliable sources like Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning. Professionals do not need experience or education in child development to use the resource. ”I have found that not only can this help me spark family goals for Family Partnership Agreements but it can also help during parent meetings, where in which I can showcase the site to answer some Kindergarten Readiness questions and get the answers and resources on the spot for the parents and this could work as a start to them using the website themselves.”
Some professionals are interested in using the Early Learning GPS to educate their staff as well.
Visit www.earlylearninggps.com to get started. Professionals can access tips, ways to share the GPS with families, and professional development at www.papromiseforchildren.com /gps.
The Early Learning GPS is developed by Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children in partnership with Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning with funding from Pennsylvania’s Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Grant. For more information, visit www.papromiseforchildren.com.