There is a growing movement of concern directed toward the development of the child in the first three years of life. Drawing from the most recent knowledge base from neuroscience, developmental psychology, human development, sociology and pediatrics, the belief is that brain development in this period sets a base for learning, behaviour and health for the later stages of life. New evidence from these areas also underline the importance of experiences and environments on early child development, including the active engagement of parents. In short, good nurturing, good nutritition and good health create the foundation for life.

Issues: Brain Development. Nature/Nurture. Nutrition. Stimulation. Poverty. Parenting. Daycare. Kindergarten. Emotional. Social. Political (funding, relationships).

Publications:

• Early Years Study: Reversing the Real Brain Drain. Study/Report written by Margaret Norrie McCain and Fraser Mustard. Commissioned by the Province of Ontario. Released in April, 1999, the full report is available to download from www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/reports/reports.html .
• The First Years Last Forever from I Am Your Child Foundation. This booklet outlines 10 guidelines for parents and caregivers on how they can promote young children's healthy development and school readiness.
• Starting Points: Meeting the Needs of Our Youngest Children. A Carnegie task force report highlighting the critical importance of the first three years of life for subsequent healthy development. An abridged version of the report is available online and the full report can be ordered from the Carnegie Corporation of New York.
• Parenting with the Zap Family. A one-hour video and readable guide book produced by the Invest in Kids Foundation available for $14.95. Order at 1-877-243-8783.

Organizations:

• I Am Your Child Foundation. A public awareness and engagement campaign, created by the Reiner Foundation, to help people understand the importance of new brain research and its implications for our children's lifelong healthy development.
• Canadian Institute of Child Health. A national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and youth in Canada.
• Families and Work Institute. The Families and Work Institute is a non-profit organization which focusses on fostering mutually supportive connections among workplaces, families, and communities.
• Baby Center. A complete resource for pregnancy and baby created by parents and reviewed by doctors and other experts.

Related Topics: Brain Based Learning. Educational Kinesiology.

Conference:
WebForum 2001: A Millenium Dialogue on Early Childhood Development. November 7 - 9, 2001. Toronto, Ontario.

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Updated December 6, 2000