Executive Function Tip Sheets from University of Minnesota Center for Early Education

Executive functioning skills help preschoolers follow directions, manage emotions, and stay focused during learning and play. The University of Minnesota’s Center for Early Education & Development released a set of two tip sheets on infant, toddler, and preschool executive function skill development.  

The first tip sheet describes early childhood executive function theory and research, and the second offers useful co-regulation strategies to support the development of executive function skills in young children. Below, you’ll find links to each of the tip sheets.

1.  Introducing It: Executive Function and Self-Regulation Development in Young Children …breaks down the different skills that make up executive functioning, from working memory to cognitive flexibility.
2. Applying It: Supporting Executive Function and Self-Regulation Development …explores the development of executive functioning skills, highlights the importance of co-regulation for developing these skills, and includes tips for educators to support children’s developing ability to self-regulate at different ages.