Brain Development
Considering that 90% of a child’s brain develops during the first three years of life, the care that a child receives early in life can affect the kind of learner a child becomes. Quality care is an investment in your child for the future and, in a much larger sense, an investment in the future of your neighborhood, your community and in society at large. From birth to age 5, a child’s brain develops more, and more rapidly, than at any other time in life. While genetics plays a significant role, scientific research has made clear that the quality of a child’s experiences in the first few years of life – positive or negative – helps shape how their brain develops. These experiences have a lasting impact on their health and ability to learn and succeed in school and in life.
Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University
A child's brain starts developing during pregnancy and continues over time, with a significant amount of development occurring within the first five years of life. It is important to know and understand how brains are built to ensure children are growing and thriving so they can reach their full potential. Every adult and caregiver in a child's life shapes their brains every time they interact, play and speak with them. Toxic stress and adverse childhood experiences can have a big impact on brain development, which can lead to lifelong struggles and problems thinking, learning, and physical or mental health. To learn more about your child's brain architecture, please click here.
Zero to Three
All children are unique. Celebrating, nurturing, and supporting developmental milestones from birth to three years is one of the joys of parenting. Learn about the skills and behaviors you can expect from your baby at every stage from birth to 3 and discover new ways of supporting this exciting growth and development. Subscribe to ZERO TO THREE’s monthly e-newsletter, which delivers research, parenting tips and tricks, and fun playtime activities right to your inbox each month.
