“The Early Years Guides support the YMCA’s Playing to Learn evidence-based curriculum that introduces young children to new ideas and strengthens their knowledge about the world around them, as well as the YMCA: A Place to Connect after school program that focuses on children’s strengths, their desire to take on new roles, and explore new ideas. We believe that the foundations set out in these guides – choice, play, discovery, positive relationships – are necessary elements as children learn about work, careers and possibilities.“  

“The Early Years Children’s Guides are situated in important research on the career development needs of children. Number 1, parents are the most influential sources of career information for kids. Empowering parents with the knowledge of how to positively influence their children’s career development is critical. Meanwhile, the earlier we start to guide children into knowing who they are, what is important to them, and to learning about different careers, the more we can create the career readiness for them to make the best career choices. This is a developmental learning skill that needs to be taught from kindergarten throughout all grades to become effective. These resources provide great ideas for doing this.”  

“Educators and parents hold the keys to introducing children to the vast array of careers in the community. Their encouragement of exploring, experiencing‎ and dreaming about the child’s future self is integral to opening the doors to career choice. The ‘Vignettes,’ ‘Something to Think About’ and ‘What If’’ sections of the guides are insightful for both parents and educators.”