Early Childhood Development

A child who begins life developing at her or his optimal level is starting out on the right foot.  Knowledge about brain science and social science research reinforces how vital and foundational those first years are. 

 Core Concepts of Development*

• Child development is a foundation for community development and economic development, as capable children become the foundation of a prosperous and sustainable society.
• Brains are built over time.
• The interactive influences of genes and experience literally shape the architecture of the developing brain, and the active ingredient is the “serve and return” nature of children’s engagement in relationships with their parents and other caregivers in their family or community.
• Both brain architecture and developing abilities are built “from the bottom up,” with simple circuits and skills providing the scaffolding for more advanced circuits and skills over time.
• Toxic stress in early childhood is associated with persistent effects on the nervous system and stress hormone systems that can damage developing brain architecture and lead to lifelong problems in learning, behavior, and both physical and mental health.
• Creating the right conditions for early childhood development is likely to be more effective and less costly than addressing problems at a later age.

*The science of Early Childhood Development National Scientific Council Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, www.developingchild.net