Learning and Development Guidelines
The Early Learning and Development Guidelines describe the path of a child’s learning and development from birth to 8 years old.
The Guidelines are designed so that everyone who cares for young children can play an important part in giving them a strong start. The Guidelines are based on research and widely accepted strategies, offering tips on learning, health and physical development, social and emotional development, language, literacy, numeracy, logic and reasoning, and other subject-specific learning.
Be sure to review the Guidelines in English and Spanish guidelines. Be sure to also check out the PLAYbook, a companion piece to the Guidelines.
The PLAYbook contains information and activities that anyone caring for young children – including parents, siblings, guardians, grandparents, babysitters, neighbors, and family friends - can use to prepare children to be successful when entering kindergarten. The PLAYbook contains activities and information that are designed to get you thinking about building the child’s skills in the locations where you spend time together, using what you may already have around your home through play.
The PLAYbook is also available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Karen (Burmese), Somali, Farsi, and as a Tribal Resource.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer guidelines on the development of middle childhood, children 9 to 11 years of age. These guidelines outline the social emotional changes and the thinking and learning changes experienced during this time. The CDC provides tips for positive parenting, health and safety during the middle childhood stage.
Developmental milestones during this stage:
- Puberty may begin at this stage, especially for girls
- Children begin middle or junior high school
- Healthy friendships are important, as peer pressure can increase during this stage
- Important time to gain self-confidence, sense of responsibility and independence
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for development during the young teen stage, teens ages 12 to 14. These guidelines outline the social emotional changes and the thinking and learning changes experienced during this time. The CDC provides tips for positive parenting, health and safety during this stage.
Developmental milestones during this stage:
- Puberty
- Growth of facial and pubic hair
- More independence and making own decisions
- Peer pressure to use alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or to have sex
- Other challenges: eating disorders, depression and family problems
The Department of Early Childhood, in partnership with Illuminate Colorado, provides guidelines for nurturing healthy development for children ages 0-12. These guidelines ensure adults interacting with children possess the basic knowledge and skills to foster healthy sexual growth and development in children.
View and print handouts identifying common behaviors of children ages 0-12.
Does your child have a question about sexuality? Use the TALK Method