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80%

of brain growth happens within the first three years of life.

Build your baby's brain through love, devotion, and following The Basics five simple steps. The Basics provides tools for parents of young children to prepare them for school!

What are the basics?

Five fun, powerful ways to build your child’s brain.

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Everyone wants their child to be successful in the transition from home or pre-school into kindergarten. Not every child arrives to school with the same set of tools. Even though they may all have pencils and crayons in their pouches, all children do not start off with the same cognitive skills. In fact, there are sometimes big gaps that often relate to  family income level, race, or ethnic background. Children who arrive at school behind may continue to struggle to keep up throughout their education, limiting their future opportunities.   

The good news is that you can help your child gain school readiness, regardless of your situation, through love, devotion and following some simple steps. We call these The Basics; five nationally-recognized, scientifically-proven ways for parents and caregivers to help children reach their full potential. Babies start their brain development before birth, so it's important to begin using The Basics as soon as possible. Doing so will help you and your baby learn and grow together in a fun way!

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Sign up for Basics Insights!

Basics Insights is a free text messaging platform for parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers that sends science-based tips and activities to boost your child's brain development.

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Maximize Love, Manage Stress

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Talk, Sing, and Point

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Count, Group, and Compare

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Explore Through Movement and Play

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Read and Discuss Stories

For Women, Infants, and Children

Explore the WIC Program

For uninsured and underinsured Families

Explore the Immunization Bureau Program

FOr Women Expecting Their First Child

Explore the Nurse-Family Partnership Program

FOr overburdened families

Explore the Healthy Families Houston Program

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Raves and Reviews

“We love The Basics, because we can easily incorporate them into all of our work with families.”

— Gisela Trevino, Educator, children's museum houston