Early Childhood Development
Latest insight into brain development research has shown that there is extraordinary brain growth and development in the early stages of a kid’s life. Advances in neuroscience have strengthened earlier findings shedding light to early childhood brain development. With neuroscience, we now know that brain development revolves around the person’s genes and the person’s experiences from birth on wards. Research has proved that the human brain develops rapidly from birth to the age of five. Ordeals a child encounters, influences the type of synaptic connections made. Key too, is the relationship between the infant and its caregivers. Caregivers have a huge impact on brain development. Early interactions determine how the brain “wired” and do not merely create a platform for development.
How the child develops and learns depends on the interplay between the child’s genetic endowment, surroundings, stimulation, care and the teaching granted or withheld (BDEL, 2007). The care that the child gets in its early stages has life defining and long-lasting effects. It defines how child grows and learns how to control their emotions and how they deal with stress. Even though the brain has extraordinary capacity to change, the type and timing of change is crucial. In the first twelve years of life the brains ability to change is remarkable. It is therefore important that infants (children) get responsive and warm early childhood care.
The essence of brain development research is to enlighten teachers and families. It should allow parents to accomplish their important role in arranging and offering the sensitive and expected care for their children. Brain development Research helps fast-track implementation of policies that assist parents in forming strong, safe bonds with their children. Early childhood education is thus crucial for the developmental growth necessary for children’s future social and academic success.
References
Brain Development and Early Learning. (2007). Quality matters; A policy brief on early care and education. Retrieved from http://www.wccf.org/pdf/brain_dev_and_early_learning.pdf
