What Agency Looks Like in the Early Years Program And 5 Ways to Develop It at Home

A preschooler steadies a small pitcher with both hands, eyes narrowed in concentration, and pours water into a cup. A little bit spills, but the child proudly cleans it up independently. Nearby, two children survey a shelf of materials and carefully choose what activity they will engage in next. Before heading out to recess, a student announces, “I can do it!” while working to zip their jacket. These moments capture the essence of agency in early childhood: learners taking initiative, making choices, and trusting in their own ability to learn and do.

Agency is one of the six learning principles that guide teaching and learning at Graded. When children understand and believe in the value of what they are learning, they are more engaged, motivated, and responsible for their own growth. Agency develops as children learn to plan, monitor, and reflect on their actions. It flourishes in environments that recognize their identities, honor their interests, and create room for independent exploration.

WHAT AGENCY LOOKS LIKE IN THE EARLY YEARS PROGRAM

For our youngest learners, agency develops through everyday routines and interactions as they build confidence in their ability to actively participate in their world. At this stage, early years students often:

• Imitate adult activities, such as sweeping or wiping tables.
• Make opinionated choices when offered several options.
• Engage in short bursts of focused, self-initiated play.
• Assert their growing independence (“I will do it myself!”).

Graded’s Early Years Program creates the conditions for agency to flourish by intentionally designing environments that encourage independence and trust. Teachers support agency by:

• Designing classrooms so children can act without constant adult help.
• Arranging materials at the child’s height and in predictable locations, allowing students to select, use, and return items on their own.
• Supplying real tools, rather than toy versions—such as brooms, pitchers, and safety scissors—that signal confidence in children’s capabilities.
• Guiding rather than directing students to foster authentic choice, exploration, and engagement.

In environments that nurture children’s curiosities, learners begin to see how their choices and interests shape their learning. As they explore, students begin to make simple plans, notice what works, and adapt for the future—early steps toward developing agency and metacognition.

5 WAYS FAMILIES CAN SUPPORT AGENCY AT HOME

1. Provide Age-Appropriate Chores

Simple, real-life tasks help children feel capable and reinforce that their contributions matter. Invite them to:

• Help bake or cook.
• Feed pets.
• Use a small dustpan and broom or wipe surfaces after art or play.
• Place items in the grocery cart.

2. Offer Simple, Controlled Choices

Choices give children practice making decisions within safe limits. Offering choices promotes autonomy, reduces power struggles, and strengthens decision-making. Try:

• Offering a choice between two healthy after-school snacks.
• Providing two activity options: “Do you want to play with blocks or color with crayons?”
• Inviting them to participate in choosing their outfit: “Would you like the blue pants or the red pants?”

3. Honor Attempts at Independence

Even when something takes longer or gets a little messy, allowing children to try builds persistence and pride. These moments remind them that effort is valuable and that you trust their abilities. Try:

• Letting them button their coat, pour their own water, or zip their backpack.
• Asking, “Would you like help or do you want to keep trying?”
• Building in extra time for unhurried dressing or cleaning up.

4. A Prepared Environment

Small changes at home can make independence easier and signal to your child that you have confidence in them. Try:

• Keeping cups, snacks, and clothing within reach.
• Providing tools they can use independently, such as a step stool or art supplies.

5. Be Specific with Verbal Encouragement

Instead of praising outcomes, highlight effort and process to strengthen intrinsic motivation and confidence. Try:

• “You worked hard to zip your coat!”
• “You kept trying until the puzzle fit.”

Agency in the early years develops through choice, action, and trust. At school, children explore materials, practice decision-making, and learn to rely on their own abilities. At home, families can cultivate this same spirit by offering meaningful responsibilities, honoring independence, and creating environments that invite children to take the lead. When agency is nurtured at school and supported at home, students learn that they are capable, confident learners who can shape their own path—one small, purposeful step at a time.