From Neurons to Neighborhoods : The Science of Early Childhood Development

Rating:
Summary: The Convergence of Technology and Social Science
Review: The product of a two and one half year investigation involving 22 members of the Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development. This committee is part of the National Academy of Sciences. The funding for the study came from a wide range of public and private sponsors. The best minds in the fields of neurobiological studies and behavioral and social sciences converge to create the "SCIENCE" of early childhood development. The old "nature vs. nurture" battle is revisited as well as the impact of culture on development. This book contains an in-depth discussion of the latest early brain development information. Research well-documents the fact that the first years of life are important! They build the base for future development. "Windows of opportunity" do not "close" at certain ages making learning impossible. However, learning of some skills is easier in early life. The effort to develop these skills past the "window of opportunity" involves not only more work but the extra cost of intervention.

Environment is important to early learning. Relationships, however, are the core of it all in early childhood. This book clearly spells this out so policy makers and businesses will know what is necessary in the making of our next generation.

This is a valuable resource for any professional library.