DVDS - Early Learning

On Monday an article appeared in Time online about the value of DVDs marketed to babies. The article reported that according to recent research, these DVDs may not be the best thing for little ones. In fact, they may even delay language acquisition. (See the full article here: http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1650352,00.html) The latest research in this area supports what pediatricians at the American Academy of Pediatrics have been recommending: no screen time for children under age 2.

Whatever position your family takes on the television/screen-time debate for young children, there are a few quality DVDs produced for parents on the topic of early learning. The I Am Your Child video series, produced by Parents Action for Children/I Am Your Child Foundation, offer DVDs and videos on a variety of topics relevant to parents and caregivers. Here are just a few suggested titles from the series:

Why Early Childhood Matters / produced by New Screen Concepts in association with the I Am Your Child Foundation and hosted by Rob Reiner.

"Scientific research confirms that children's earliest experiences - starting even before they're born - dramatically affect their ability to succeed in school, and life. In this video, our country's leaders in government, business, crime prevention, and academia voice their commitment to our nation's youngest children and emphasize the crucial need for increased investments in early childhood"--Container.

Quality Child Care: making the right choice for you & your child / produced by New Screen Concepts in association with I Am Your Child and hosted by Maria Shriver.

Discusses the importance of selecting quality child care. Examines the role that child care plays in a child's healthy development. Offers criteria for selecting a caregiver.

The Pre-K Promise / produced by New Screen Concepts in association with Parents Action for Children and hosted by Rob Reiner.

"Quality preschool (or pre-k) programs for 3 and 4 year olds are one of the surest routes to success in school and beyond, according to various studies. But finding a high-quality pre-k program at an affordable price can be challenging. This video featuring well-know experts on early care and education, provides guidance to help parents understand: How preschool programs can benefit young children; What a quality preschool program looks like; What questions to ask when evaluating a preschool; How to help make quality, affordable preschool programs more widely available"--Packaging.

For more DVD and book suggestions on the topic of early learning, education, and child care, please feel free to ask a librarian!