Early Learning & Development
The first five years determine a lifetime
Children's early years are absolutely critical
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The most rapid phase of a child’s development occurs in their first five years of life. These early years are when the brain grows the most—85% of children’s core brain structure is developed by the age of four—providing the foundation for children’s future health, academic success, and social and emotional well-being.
Nationally, less than 10% of public investments in education and development are spent on children, ages four and younger.
While the early period in children’s development is absolutely critical to their future success, it is also where public investments are lowest. Nationally, less than 10% of public investments in education and development are spent on children, ages four and younger.
Figure: Brain Growth and Public Investment, A Mismatch
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When young children lack basic nutrition in the prenatal period, during infancy and in early childhood, the effects on their brain development can be devastating and long-lasting. By the age of two, children spoken to often will have learned almost three hundred more words than children spoken to less often, as language development is a foundation for future learning. Moreover, children who receive sensitive, responsive care from their parents and other caregivers in their first year are more likely to develop healthy emotional attachments and are likely to be better equipped to overcome adversity in adulthood.
Proving all children age 0 - 5 with the health and education support services they need to get the most out of their early years pays a lifetime of dividends to all of us.
Figure: Rate of Return to Investment in Human Capital
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