The First Five Years

In the first five years of life, the brain develops the architecture upon which all later development and learning is founded.

The early childhood years are a period of dynamic and extraordinary development. In these years, the brain’s capacity for change is in its prime.

What makes the difference? The brain develops in response to the environment in which the child grows. A child who spends the first few years in an enriched environment with engaging experiences and nurturing relationships will have a brain more apt to assess incoming data accurately and manage complex thinking and planning.

young children offer a once in a lifetime opportunity to change the brain and contribute to:

• healthy lifestyles

• healthy social/emotional development

• successful students

• responsible adults

• and stronger communities.

research demonstrates that high quality early childhood education:

• reduces delinquency and crime

• reduces the likelihood of abuse and neglect

• increases high school graduation rates and college enrollment

• lowers rates of teen pregnancy

• improves standardized test scores

• reduces grade retention

• leads to greater employment, higher wages, and increased life-long earnings

• reduces numbers of children in remedial/special education and social services

• cultivates an educated workforce and tax paying citizens

• raises income and consumer spending levels

• makes communities more competitive in the marketplace.