The things that matter most

Here are the things that matter most—and that truly high-quality, pre-K instructional materials support—to ensure that early education programs provide content-rich learning that is joyful, developmentally appropriate, and grounded in meaningful context:

Rich language and knowledge building: Strong materials immerse children in meaningful conversations, stories, and topics that build vocabulary and background knowledge intentionally. Instead of isolated skills or disjointed activities, children move through coherent units—about wild animals, weather, or transportation in their own communities—so that words, ideas, and understanding accumulate. This kind of coherence doesn't happen by accident. It's something materials either build in or don't.
Play-based, purposeful learning: High-quality materials integrate learning into play—through centers, exploration, and hands-on activities—while still being intentional. Whether it's dramatic play, block building, or guided inquiry, children are developing early math, literacy, and problem-solving skills in ways that feel joyful and natural. In a unit about forests, children might experience read-alouds about plants and animals and then build burrows or dens in the blocks center; create forest art out of leaves, rocks, and twigs in the art center; or act out animal behaviors with puppets. The best materials create this container for content-rich play so that curiosity and content fuel one another.
Developmentally appropriate progressions: Effective materials meet children where they are and support growth over time. They provide scaffolds, differentiation, and flexible pathways so that all learners—across varied developmental stages—can engage meaningfully and build confidence. For example, children might investigate how sand flows through a funnel, or experiment with why some objects sink while others float, all while educators scaffold the experience to promote concepts like cause and effect, problem-solving, or early numeracy. Strong materials are the key to providing multiple entry points and supports.
Culturally relevant and meaningful contexts: The best materials reflect children's lives, identities, and communities. Teachers are guided to connect learning to familiar experiences and diverse perspectives, helping children see themselves in the content while also expanding their understanding of others and the broader world. Texts and resources are carefully selected for affirming, authentic representation. And materials provide tools to bring families in as partners.

Joyful play and academic development

Effective learning environments for pre-K children support joyful play and young children’s academic development—not either or. They are spaces where curiosity flourishes, exploration is encouraged, and children feel free to investigate, imagine and test their thinking.

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