The Power of Reading: Empowering Lifelong Learning from Birth to Three

It’s true that the digital era has changed the way we read, but that shouldn’t stop us from reading a good old-fashioned paperback or hardcover book. Reading, especially from Birth to Three, is transformative and crucial. In fact, by the third birthday, a baby needs to be spoken to, sung to, or read to some… Continue reading The Power of Reading: Empowering Lifelong Learning from Birth to Three

New in April from Gift Connect: Advocacy & Advisory Board, YouTube Channel, Bee Smart Program, Carnegie Lullaby in Kenya, & More

Advisory & Advocacy Board GIFT CONNECT’s Advisory and Advocacy Board continues to grow! We are so excited and grateful to welcome the below members. To increase GIFT CONNECT’s reach and measurable impact in Birth to Three and Early Childhood Development (ECD), we are engaging and activating proven, bipartisan ECD leaders on a new, working Advisory… Continue reading New in April from Gift Connect: Advocacy & Advisory Board, YouTube Channel, Bee Smart Program, Carnegie Lullaby in Kenya, & More

New in February from Gift Connect: Advocacy & Advisory Board, New Blog, Bee Smart Lullabies, Global Updates, and more.

Advisory & Advocacy Board To increase GIFT CONNECT’s reach and measurable impact in Birth to Three and Early Childhood Development (ECD), we are engaging and activating proven, bipartisan ECD leaders on a new, working Advisory & Advocacy Board (AAB). The AAB will begin with 12+ members and will grow in 2024 to 25+ members. The… Continue reading New in February from Gift Connect: Advocacy & Advisory Board, New Blog, Bee Smart Lullabies, Global Updates, and more.

The Power of Play: Unlocking Creativity and Fostering Development from Birth to Three

From birth to age 3, infants and toddlers experience the most rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional development of their lives. ​​When children play, they constantly explore and learn new things, which helps develop cognitive skills such as problem-solving, creativity, spatial awareness, and imagination. Think about it: when you give a child a stacking toy, it’s… Continue reading The Power of Play: Unlocking Creativity and Fostering Development from Birth to Three

Celebrating Birth to Three Learning at GIFT CONNECT Music Fest on June 3

Please join the GIFT CONNECT team for an unforgettable afternoon of music and creativity on June 3, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Wilmington Public Library in Wilmington, DE. During this event, you’ll listen to soul-soothing music, enjoy some tasty treats, and learn all about the Birth to Three movement. This event is one… Continue reading Celebrating Birth to Three Learning at GIFT CONNECT Music Fest on June 3

Bringing the Power of Music to Parents & Caregivers in Delaware

Building a strong connection with your baby is a fundamental aspect of your child’s growth and development. A close relationship creates a safe and nurturing environment that fosters their emotional well-being and boosts neural connections. The power of a strong bond between a parent and child surpasses any other influence on your baby’s development. This… Continue reading Bringing the Power of Music to Parents & Caregivers in Delaware

Brain Science and the Role of Parents & Caregivers in Early Childhood Development

Early childhood is a time of profound growth and development, where young minds are shaped in ways that set the stage for a lifetime of learning and cognitive abilities. The brain, often compared to a sponge during this critical period, absorbs an astonishing amount of information. The science is clear: the first three to five… Continue reading Brain Science and the Role of Parents & Caregivers in Early Childhood Development

Nurturing Minds and Hearts: The Importance of Loving Habits for Children from Birth to Age Three

The first few years of a child’s life are nothing short of miraculous. It’s a period filled with rapid growth, exploration, and wonder, and it also lays the foundation for their lifelong development. The importance of speaking, singing, reading, playing, counting, and engaging in serve and return during these first few years of life is… Continue reading Nurturing Minds and Hearts: The Importance of Loving Habits for Children from Birth to Age Three

New in January from Gift Connect: New Website, Bee Smart Program, and more.

New Year, New Website Happy 2024! We’re starting off the New Year with a brand new website. The updated site features refreshed navigation that simplifies our mission into “Who We Are” and “What We Do” alongside sections on “Resources” and how to “Get Involved.” GIFT CONNECT is also introducing a blog as a new way… Continue reading New in January from Gift Connect: New Website, Bee Smart Program, and more.

Investing in Our Future: Early Childhood Development Funding in the U.S. and Globally

Introduction Early childhood development is essential to creating a thriving society. The experiences and opportunities children receive during their early years have a profound impact on their lifelong well-being and success. This means, funding and investment in early childhood development are essential for ensuring that every child reaches their full potential. At GIFT CONNECT, we… Continue reading Investing in Our Future: Early Childhood Development Funding in the U.S. and Globally