Learning & development
How young children talk, learn, play and get ready for school.
Start here
- When should my child start talking? Signs by age
- Toddler tantrums: what actually works
- Kindergarten readiness checklist
Quick answers
Will my late talker just catch up?
Some do. The AAP says simple speech delays are sometimes temporary, but you can’t tell which kids will catch up without an evaluation. The AAP’s advice to parents: don’t “wait and see.” Read the full guide →
Do I need a doctor’s referral for Early Intervention in Massachusetts?
No. Anyone can refer a child under 3, including a parent. Find your local program and call. Still loop in your pediatrician so they can check hearing and overall health. Read the full guide →
At what age do tantrums stop?
They ease between ages 3 and 5 and are rare after 5. They don’t vanish overnight on a third birthday. Frequent tantrums after 5 are worth a call to your pediatrician. Read the full guide →
What should my child know before kindergarten?
Think whole child: taking turns, keeping a conversation going, counting to 10, naming some letters and paying attention for 5 to 10 minutes, plus bathroom independence. Use the checklist above. Read the full guide →
-
Picture books teachers recommend: first days, Spanish-English and every kind of kid
Books that calm drop-off nerves, bring Spanish into story time and show every child they belong, chosen by preschool teachers.
-
Friendship fights and first solo playdates: What to say, what to ask
How to coach kids 4–7 through friend fights, decide if they’re ready for drop-off playdates, and the AAP’s safety questions to ask the other family.
-
Family math: 12 ten-minute games for ages 2 to 6, no apps needed
Early math skills predict later school success. 12 ten-minute games for ages 2–6 using socks, snacks and cards, in any home language.
-
Toddler tantrums: What actually works (and what backfires)
Tantrums peak between ages 1 and 3. Here’s what to do before, during and after a meltdown, what backfires, and when to call your child’s pediatrician.
-
Biting or hitting at daycare? What parents should do next
Biting and hitting peak around age 2. Here’s how good daycares respond, what Massachusetts rules require and how to team up with the teacher at home.
-
When should my child start talking? Speech delay signs by age
Most kids say two-word phrases by age 2. See the speech milestones by age, the red flags, and how to get a free evaluation in Massachusetts.
-
How to teach your child to read at home: The science-backed plan
Skip the flashcard marathons. Here’s what the science of reading says works, games for ages 2 to 7, phonics at home and when to talk to…
-
Screen time for toddlers: Why the AAP stopped counting minutes
The AAP dropped its 1-hour daily screen limit for toddlers and preschoolers. What changed in 2026, what still applies, and how to make screens count.
-
Daycare vs. preschool vs. pre-K: What’s different and when to start
Daycare, preschool and pre-K overlap more than you think. What each means in Massachusetts, the right age to start, and how kindergarten cutoffs work.
-
Kindergarten readiness checklist: What teachers actually look for
The skills kindergarten teachers look for, a printable checklist, Massachusetts age cutoffs and registration, and what to do if your child isn’t ready.
Free every Tuesday
The weekly briefing
The week’s child care news for Massachusetts families, plus one new guide, every Tuesday. A 5-minute read.
Gratis cada martes
El boletín semanal
Una lectura de 5 minutos con lo que las familias necesitan saber esta semana.