Early learning and development resources

I'm starting to research early development tools. I'm finding alarming differences between some of the tools and method of teaching. Some methods use flash cards others are against it. I actually bought that book and a few others:

Bright from the Start
The Bilingual Edge

Its a daunting and overwhelming task to try and teach your child but we are determined to start right away. Obama's got the right idea: "We gotta turn off the TV and tell our kids to do their homework...". Parents also have to do the same and help them. 

I believe education starts in the home like many other things. Society is commanding our teachers with the impossible task to be fully responsible for the educational development of our children. This is wrong. The time they spend learning in the classroom must be reinforced at home with parents. Parents also need to prepare their children for the learning environment. This includes behavioral discipline, basic reading and math skills. The basic foundational skills are necessary for students to be engaged and begin to understand what they are being taught. The class room can give them the exposure but the home is where understanding can take place. 

I know there are many parents who themselves lack the basic skills and have trouble teaching their children. If so, perhaps learning the material with their child would help. If you cant be with your child perhaps the babysitter or care taker can help them. Simply reading to them is better than watching TV.