Today's children need learning opportunities from cradle to career that build the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in our interconnected and constantly changing world. This means putting 21st century skills, including creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and problem solving, at the center of learning, both in and out of school. As every parent who has seen their young child quickly and adeptly learn to operate a smartphone would undoubtedly agree, no age is too early to begin fostering these skills. Eugene Geist explores how developmentally appropriate coding and programming activities can serve as a vehicle for the exploration, discovery, and innovation that are central to 21st century skill building and essential when preparing children for the jobs of the future. A list of references and resources is included.