Ideal Learning, also referred to as whole child or student-centered learning, is an approach that focuses on all aspects of a young child’s development, including physical, academic, and social-emotional growth. Pressure on public educators and administrators to increase third grade math and literacy test scores has led to more teacher-directed, rote instruction with children as young as four years old. This brief connects child development theory and research with the Principles of Ideal Learning. Grounded in research on child development, these principles offer guidance for effective, developmentally appropriate education that encourages student-initiated exploration within engaging learning environments. (author abstract)