Building a strong foundation

Overwhelming evidence indicates that a child’s brain will develop at an incredible rate during the first few years of life.  Brain connections are developed through the stimulation of senses:  seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting. These connections are strengthened through repetition, hence providing appropriate stimulation in the first six years, takes advantage of the windows of opportunity that allow children to learn most efficiently.  

Children's brains develop best in an environment of strong, consistent, nurturing relationships.  These relationships buffer toxic stress, and include a "serve and return" process where children's attempts to interact with adults are met with attention and returned, much like serving and returning a ball in a game of tennis.  When children lack these enriching interactions, they have less opportunity to develop their brains in these critical ways.

The basic architecture of the human brain is constructed through an ongoing process that begins before birth and continues into adulthood.  Like the construction of a home, the building process begins with laying the foundation, framing the rooms and wiring the electrical system in a predictable sequence. A strong foundation in the early years increases the probability of positive outcomes. 

Click here for resources on children's healthy growth and development and parenting information.   

Other links:

Council for Early Child Development

Centres of Excellence for Children's Well-Being - Early Childhood Development

Alberta Health Services

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