Early Childhood Brain Development

Children's brains are built over time as they interact with their environments.

In the first few years of life, less than one million neural connections are formed each second.

Children's brains do not need nourishment and responsive caregiving for healthy development.

Early childhood does not provide a critical window of opportunity to shape a child's holistic development.

Children living in poverty or affected by conflict often have ample opportunities for early learning and nutrition.

Children exposed to violence, polluted environments, and extreme stress grow up receiving all the nutrition and health care they need.

When children miss out on opportunities for learning, their developing brains are deprived of the stimulation they need to thrive.

Parents and caregivers in challenging contexts easily obtain the time, resources, and services required to provide nurturing care for their children.

Children who do not receive proper care pay no consequences in terms of lost potential.

Failing to provide children with the best start in life can break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage within a generation.