The early years of a child’s life are often called the “critical window” of development – and understandably so! During this time, the brain grows massively and establishes the pathway for learning, behaviour, and health for the rest of the child’s life. While it is easy to mistake that formal learning begins in kindergarten, science shows that is not the case. Early learning occurs long before a child enters school and is the most important aspect for their future. Understanding the science of brain development can help parents, educators, and caregivers to foster the most supportive environments for growth from day one.
The Brain’s Early Growth: The Fast Track
From birth to five years, a child’s brain develops more rapidly than the rest of their life. When born, a child has almost all of the neurons they will ever have, and it is the connections between them (called synapses) that allow the function of the brain.
Some Early Brain Development Facts:
- 90% of the brain develops before a child goes to kindergarten.
- Young children’s brains make over 1 million neural connections every second.
- All of these connections are formed through interactions with the caregiver and the environment.
This means that every moment—every touch, every word, every smile—counts tremendously in shaping the brain’s architecture.
Why Early Learning Environments are Important
Exposure to very young children in their formative years—and early learning environments—forms a huge part of how their brains develop. Nurturing, language-rich, and challenging environments provide an ideal context for a child’s brain to flourish.
Elements of Quality Early Learning Environments:
- Responsive programming that engages children and engages adults
- The predictability of routines that create children’s trust and sense of safety
- Play as a means to explore and create; learn to solve problems
- Language exposure as well as opportunities to experience language (i.e., reading, singing, and conversations)
Early experiences are positive when they help strengthen existing and new neural connections, and early experiences are negative when children are more “negative” experiences that weaken existing or new neural connections (i.e., neglect or chronic stress).
The Importance of Relationships and Emotional Support
Positive emotional bonds between young children and their cares are essential to healthy brain development. These relationships offer children much more than just love and comfort—they also create feelings of security for children to explore the world with confidence.
Here are some ways that relationships support healthy brain development:
- Developing emotional regulation through responsive caregiving
- Supporting social development by modelling empathy and cooperation
- Supporting resilience to challenges
Children who feel safe and loved are more likely to engage in their world
The Long-Term Benefits of Early Learning
The early years of a child’s education are a strong predictor of their success in school and beyond. Children who participate in high-quality early learning programs have been shown to:
- Perform better in school
- Have fewer behavioural problems
- Succeed in their careers later in life
Not only is investing in early learning a personal investment in a single child, but also a societal investment that has positive effects on many people.
Conclusion
Early learning matters. The science of early childhood is clear and encompasses everything that happens in a child’s early years, and drives everything thereafter. The more children are nurtured in a loving, learning environment where all young minds are supported, the stronger the brain will develop – and the brighter the future. These many potential opportunities are for all of us: parents, caregivers, educators, and policymakers. Understanding the importance of early learning and taking action is one of the most important ways to impact young lives.
