Decorative lines

Decorative lines

The Science of Early Childhood Development

In this brief, the Harvard Center on the Developing Child outlines why early childhood brain development is the foundation for a successful society. The brief outlines the basics of human brain development and the benefits of healthy interactions as well as unhealthy interactions. Included in the brief are policy implications.

In Brief: The Science of Early Childhood Development (harvard.edu)

Related Resources

All Resources

Early Childhood Education and Development

From Best Practices to Breakthrough Impacts: A Science-Based Approach to Building a More Promising Future for Young Children and Families

In this 52-page report, the Harvard Center on the Developing Child pulled together experts from across the country to thoroughly review science-based practices to improve the system for children and families. The report includes information on the science of early childhood development, lessons learned over the last decades, creating new innovations, and a call to […]

Jul 14, 2023
Early Childhood Education and Development

Three Principles to Improve Outcomes for Children and Families

In this paper, the Harvard Center on the Developing Child outlines three main principles to improve outcomes for children and families that include: 1) Support responsive relationships for children and adults; 2) Strengthen core skills for planning, adapting, and achieving goals; and 3) Reduce sources of stress in the lives of children and families. Included […]

Jun 14, 2024
Early Childhood Education and Development

Place Matters: The Environment We Create Shapes the Foundations of Healthy Development

In this paper, the Harvard Center on the Developing Child outlines the importance of environments on young developing brains. The paper emphasizes that early environmental exposures can have lasting effects on all developing biological systems in children. The paper includes policy implications. Place Matters: The Environment We Create Shapes the Foundations of Healthy Development – […]

Apr 4, 2023