Parenting Resources - Crystal Lake Education Center

Behavior

Why Emotional Regulation is Important in Early Development

Emotional Regulation in early childhood is crucial for children's success in school and social relationships. When children can identify and manage their emotions, they focus better, handle challenges more effectively, and interact well with peers. Research shows that children with strong emotional skills form better friendships, have fewer behavior problems, and achieve better learning outcomes in elementary school.

Emotions

Children's Books to Support Social Emotional Development

Children's Books - National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations

Regulation and Strategies

Communication

Why Communication is Important in Early Childhood

Communication is how a child lets others know what they want, need, and feel. Communicating is more than just talking. It includes understanding what others say and expressing ideas in any way that works for the child.

Children need support in developing strong communication skills so they can connect with others, participate in activities and have their needs understood.

General Information on Communication

Tips and Ideas for Increasing Communication

Bilingualism

Stuttering

Selective Mutism

Motor Skills

Why Motor Development is Important in Early Childhood

Gross motor skills involve large body movements such as running and jumping, while fine motor skills involve hand and finger movements used for tasks like drawing and feeding. Together, these skills support independence and participation in daily activities.

Gross Motor Help at Home

Fine Motor Help at Home

Toileting/Sleep/Dressing/Eating

Why Developing Adaptive/Self Help Skills is Important in Early Childhood

Adaptive (or self-help skills) are the practical "life skills" a child needs to function independently. While academic skills focus on what a child knows, adaptive skills focus on what they can do for themselves. The core skill areas include hygiene, dressing, self-feeding, and household help. These skills build confidence, motor skills, and independence.

Toileting

Dressing

Sensory

Why Sensory Development is Important in Early Childhood

Sensory development is how children use their senses—touch, sight, sound, taste, smell, movement, and body awareness—to understand the world around them. Young children learn through their senses. When they squish playdough, swing at the park, listen to music, or explore different textures, their brains are building important connections. Sensory experiences help children stay calm and regulated, pay attention and focus, develop coordination and body awareness, and participate in daily activities like eating, dressing and playing. When children have positive sensory experiences, they feel more comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. Sensory play isn’t just fun—it helps build the foundation for learning and everyday skills.

Tools to Help

What is Sensory and Regulation?

The Importance of Play

Why Play Is Important in Early Childhood

Play is how young children learn best. It may look simple, but during play children are building critical skills in all areas of development. Play-based learning is important because it is motivating, meaningful, and developmentally appropriate. Children are more engaged and more likely to practice new skills when they are having fun. Play is not “extra” — it is the foundation for learning!

Technology Use for Kids

Why Limiting Technology Use in the Early Years of Development is Important in Early Childhood

Limiting technology use in the early childhood years helps young children focus on hands-on play, movement, and interactions with others. These real life experiences support brain development, language growth, social skills, and attention. When screen time is limited, children have more opportunities to explore, problem-solve, and build strong relationships through play and daily routines.

General Development

Why Understanding Developmental Milestones is Important

Understanding your child's developmental milestones not only reminds you to celebrate their exciting new skills, but empowers you to spot any potential delays early on, ensuring they get the support they need to thrive.

Concerns with Development

If you have concerns with your child's development we are here to help!

Multiple free resources are available to help you determine if you child is on track and if not, provide support!

Early Childhood Screening

Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple way to check how your 3 to 5 year-old is growing, learning, and developing. Screenings are free and can help detect possible health or learning problems so that children can get help they need before starting kindergarten. An Early Childhood Screening, or a similar health and developmental screening, is required for your child to enter kindergarten in Minnesota public schools. If your child does not pass the early childhood screening they can be referred for a more in-depth evaluation by specialists such as a healthcare provider or early childhood special education to determine if support is needed.

Get STarted with Early Childhood SCreening here

Help Me Grow

Help Me Grow is a Minnesota referral system that connects families who have concerns about their child’s development with appropriate resources. This includes facilitating referrals to the family’s local school district for consideration of a developmental evaluation. If you have concerns for your child, you can make a referral online at the link below. Referrals will be directed to the Lakeville Early Childhood Special Education department who will reach out to families for additional information and to help determine next steps.

Make a referral Here

Early Childhood Special Education

Minnesota children from birth to five-years-old, who are eligible, can receive services in their home, child care setting or at school through the local school district. These services are free to families and can include early childhood special education, speech therapy, occupational therapy and more.

Early Childhood Special Education

Early Literacy

Why Early Literacy Is Important

By fostering literacy from birth to age five, you build a powerful foundation for a child's future, as early reading exposure increases the likelihood of letter and word recognition. These experiences do more than teach ABC's, they ignite brain growth, strengthen emotional connections, and build the communication skills necessary for school readiness.