Early brain development is designed to incorporate early experiences, but the window of influence does not slam shut at age 3 or 5. In fact, brain development begins before birth, continues throughout life, and is influenced by both genetics and the surrounding environment. All infants require early screening and treatment of hearing, visual, or motor impairments that can interfere with the brain's needs for environmental inputs. Prenatal and early postnatal neurotoxic exposures, specific infections, substance abuse, and family violence can harm development, and the nation should mount an attack on these comparable to other public health campaigns. Healthy early development depends on nurturing and dependable relationships.
Early relationships are critical.
Young children who lack at least one loving and consistent relationship with a parent or caregiver often suffer severe and long-lasting developmental difficulties . Even very young children are capable of experiencing deep anguish and grief in response to trauma, loss, and personal rejection. How young children feel is as important as how they think, particularly with regard to school readiness. Early childhood programs must balance their focus on literacy and numeracy skills with comparable attention to the emotional, regulatory, and social development of all children, including those with special needs. Policies and practices regarding children's emotional growth are seriously inadequate.