Why Early Childhood Matters

The first five years of life have so much to do with how the next 80 turn out.

Learning begins at birth.

The first years of a child’s life are incredibly important. Babies and toddlers aren’t just cute—they are growing and developing at an astonishing rate. About 85 percent of the human brain develops in the first three years of life. During this crucial developmental time, young children form the “wiring” needed to think, communicate, move and form attachments with those around them. Children who have nurturing, healthy and supportive experiences in their early years are much better prepared to succeed in school and life.

There are about 2,000 days from when a child is born to when she starts kindergarten. Every day matters.

Kids gather the building blocks for school readiness long before they enter a kindergarten classroom. From birth, children need to be read and talked to, cuddled and hugged. They need access to medical care and healthy food to eat. They need places to run, jump, pretend and use their creativity.