The period from birth to age eight is critical for a child’s health, development, and learning. Our work is focused on advancing research, policy, and advocacy that will strengthen the development of children during those early years. Families, educators, and policymakers need the resources and information to support successful learning at home through the first years of school. Accountability and assessment of early childhood programs and the environment in which children are raised will help build comprehensive early childhood systems that align the most effective child development practices from birth through age eight.
The following resources analyze the unique needs of children during this time and propose strategies to provide them with solid foundation through the efforts of parents, families, early educators, schools, and policymakers.