 The importance of early childhood development

Evidence tells us that a person’s life successes, health and emotional wellbeing have their roots in early childhood. We know that if we get it right
in the early years, we can expect to see children thrive throughout school and their adult lives.

Both nature and nurture (genes and environment) influence children’s development. The quality of a child’s earliest environments and the
availability of appropriate experiences at the right stages of development are crucial determinants of the way each child’s brain architecture
develops.

Caring and supportive environments that promote optimal early childhood development greatly increase children’s chances of a successful
transition to school. This, in turn, promotes children’s chances of achieving better learning outcomes while at school and better education,
employment and health after they have finished school.

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Facts About Child Development

Healthy Development
The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development. Healthy development means that children of all abilities, including those with
special health care needs, are able to grow up where their social, emotional and educational needs are met. Having a safe and loving home and spending time with
family―playing, singing, reading, and talking―are very important. Proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep also can make a big difference.

Effective Parenting Practices

Parenting takes many different forms. However, some positive parenting practices work well across diverse families and in diverse settings when providing the care
that children need to be happy and healthy, and to grow and develop well. A recent report looked at the evidence in scientific publications for what works, and found
these key ways that parents can support their child’s healthy development:

 Responding to children in a predictable way

 Showing warmth and sensitivity
 Having routines and household rules
 Sharing books and talking with children
  Supporting health and safety
 Using appropriate discipline without harshness

Parents who use these practices can help their child stay healthy, be safe, and be successful in many areas—emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and social. 

Developmental Milestones
Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play,
learn, speak, behave, and move (for example, crawling and walking).

Children develop at their own pace, so it’s impossible to tell exactly when a child will learn a given skill. However, the developmental milestones give a general idea of
the changes to expect as a child gets older.

As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with your child’s
development, talk with your child’s doctor and share your concerns. Don’t wait.

Video: 0:04 / 4:05

How Brains are Built: The Core Story of Brain Development

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmVWOe1ky8s

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