The old playbook for success is no longer sufficient
QI Skills represent a new set of skills deemed absolutely necessary for success in today’s rapidly changing world, with far-reaching implications for parenting, pediatrics, early childhood, education, business, innovation, healthcare and economics.
QI Skills for the Early Childhood Classroom
A Guide to Nurturing the Human Skills That Matter Most in an AI-Powered World
Newly Released, May 2025
In her groundbreaking new book, QI Skills for the Early Childhood Classroom, Dr. Laura Jana unveils a revolutionary framework for fostering essential skills in young learners. This vital work introduces "QI Skills" (pronounced "key"), a term coined by Dr. Jana to encompass all of the “soft, non-cognitive and other” abilities that are increasingly prized across all sectors of our rapidly evolving world.
Offering a comprehensive definition, developmental milestones, and actionable "Classroom QI-nnections"—specific activities designed to seamlessly integrate these skills into everyday learning — this practical approach ensures that early educators can easily implement the strategies in their classrooms, enhancing their teaching practices and profoundly impacting their students' growth.
Meet the Author
Dr. Jana is an internationally renowned, US-based pediatrician, early educator, and award-winning author of 30+ children/parenting books who first gained international recognition working with world-renowned pediatrician, Dr. Spock. Currently serving as Chief Innovation Officer at Penn State University's Evidence to Impact Collaborative, she has 25+ years experience working with parents, educators, media, academia, government organizations, non-profits and corporations alike. From early literacy advocate and 9-year owner of a 200-student educational childcare center to spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, strategic consultant to a premier national child care company and advisor to one of the world’s largest toy companies , Dr Jana is a social entrepreneur dedicated to addressing the most pressing needs of children, families and communities.
Her most recent books, QI Skills for the Early Childhood Classroom, The Toddler Brain, and Jumping Into Kindergarten, focus on the social-emotional and other valuable skills needed to succeed in an AI and technology-powered 21st Century and their foundational development during the first 5 years. She has given three TED talks and 100+ talks/keynotes on early childhood, 21st C Skill development and the future of work to cross-sector audiences - – from the World Forum on Early Childhood, Delhi Public Schools, and Early Childhood Australia to the US Chamber of Commerce, the World Bank, the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center, and the British Parliament.
Introducing QI Skills to Children
Dr. Laura A. Jana joins Julia Cook in helping children, parents and educators alike more clearly understand the important connection that exists between everyday behaviors and the foundational development of valuable, 21st century life-skills during early childhood. Also included are creative, practical tips for nurturing these skills at home and in classrooms.
Starting kindergarten represents a major milestone in the lives of young children (and their parents!). It is an important step into the unknown that while exciting can also be the cause of nervous anticipation for everyone involved. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be scary! Today’s technology-driven world is complex and changing rapidly. As it does, the expectations of what our children need to know when they enter kindergarten have changed as well. There is growing anxiety around how to define and instill a new and improved set of school-readiness skills that will best help them to succeed.
Follow Roo as he figures out how to use and apply his amazing “QI” (pronounced key) skills: ME, WE, WHY, WILL, WIGGLE, WOBBLE, and WHAT IF. With his backpack of “super cool” skills and a head full of questions, Roo is excited to jump into kindergarten!
“This book beautifully captures what we all know to be true – that who our children become is as important as what they know.”
“A must-read for all children getting ready to start kindergarten…amazingly fun and engaging book that also teaches key skills that will be critical to their success in both kindergarten and life! ”
“As a Preschool, Young 5’s, and Kindergarten teacher for the last 16 years, I have not come across a book that get’s it like this one. Children who come into kindergarten with these skills will be more confident and parents will feel more at ease”