About P-CCS » Departments » Student and Family Engagement » Nurturing Little Minds

The Basics

Font Size: + -
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

The Basics are five simple parenting and caregiving principles that support development from birth to age five. Through the P-CCS Birth to 5 program parents and caregivers will learn The Basics and apply these concepts with their children on a daily basis.

  • Science shows that 80% of brain growth happens by the age of three! Beginning from birth, young brains develop like little muscles, getting bigger and stronger the more you and your family interact with your child. 

  • The Basics Principles are five fun, simple, and powerful ways to help all our children aged 0-3 grow to be happy and smart. 

  • Do all five principles every day to help your child become the amazing person you know they can be.

 

What are the 5 Basics principles?

  • Maximize Love, Manage Stress: Babies and toddlers thrive when their world feels loving, safe, and predictable. Respond with smiles, words, and touch to help them see, hear, and feel your love. You will help them develop a sense of security and self-control. 

  • Talk, Sing, and Point: Babies learn language from the moment they are born. Respond to their sounds, and later, their words. Connect with eye contact and a loving tone of voice, while pointing to help them know what you are talking about. 

  • Count, Group, and Compare: Every child’s brain is wired for math. Talk about numbers, shapes, patterns, and comparisons as you go about your routines together. Watch your child learn to love math. 

  • Explore Through Movement and Play: Babies are like scientists who love making discoveries. Watch to see what interests your child, then encourage their curiosity and help them learn when they play and explore. 

  • Read and Discuss Stories: Reading turns kids into confident thinkers. Make books a regular part of your relationship from the very beginning. With infants, point at the pictures and speak with excitement. With toddlers, just make it fun.

 

Additional Resources: