THE SCIENCE OF EARLY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
A new, interactive Web feature explains key concepts in the science of early childhood development: Brains are built over time; the interaction of genes and experience; the interconnectedness of social, emotional, and cognitive development; and the damage caused by excessive or chronic adversity. Learn how early experience affects the developing brain and why early intervention matters to all of us.
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FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS
In the first in a series of profiles of Center-affiliated faculty members and researchers, learn about the work of Charles A. Nelson III, a Harvard researcher who studies the brain and behavioral development of young children, focusing in particular on those for whom early development has somehow gone awry. Learn more about Nelson’s work on the effects of institutionalization on Romanian orphans, as well as his role in a groundbreaking, linked set of studies researching the mechanisms for how early experience can change the biology of the brain and body for life.
INTERACTIVE DECISION-MAKER’S GUIDE
Explore an interactive version of one of our most popular publications, “Early Childhood Program Evaluations: A Decision-Maker’s Guide.” This clear, concise guide serves as an independent reference tool to help policymakers cut through the noise about the effectiveness of early-childhood intervention programs. The Web-only version walks readers through the five key questions posed in the guide, which address both the substance and practical utility of rigorous evaluation research.
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PRINT AND VIDEO SERIES SUMMARIZES EXPERT PRESENTATIONS
The three-part InBrief series—downloadable one-page handouts and three-minute video clips—provides concise summaries of expert presentations given to state policy leaders at the National Symposium on Early Childhood Science and Policy. The short treatment of each topic presents current science and research in plain language and in the context of early childhood policy.
View videos and download PDFs from the InBrief series >>
SCHOLARS SUGGEST GLOBAL RESEARCH AGENDA
Seek out the best, but don’t let the best be good enough. That seemed to be the message of the academics and scholars recently invited to help the Center chart a course for its initial entry into international research on early childhood development issues. The interdisciplinary group of 25 leading academics and scholars from every inhabited continent convened at Harvard for a two-day working meeting to lay the groundwork for a program of research in basic, applied, and evaluation sciences related to child development around the world.
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Science of Early Childhood
A growing body of scientific evidence shows that early influences—whether positive or negative—are critical to the development of children’s brains and their lifelong health. More >
Science & Policy
Current science offers policymakers and civic leaders opportunities that did not exist a decade ago to craft more effective responses to societal concerns. More >
Learning Opportunities
The Center strives to educate future and current leaders to make science-based policy decisions that benefit children, families, and society. More >
Understanding Intervention
Early childhood program evaluation studies indicate that it is possible to improve outcomes for vulnerable children as well as to generate positive social and economic benefits to society. More >
New Research
The Center is deeply committed to facilitating innovative research that enhances the understanding of child health, learning, and behavior. More >
Child & Family Mental Health
Emotional and behavioral development in a child’s early years should be given the same attention as cognitive development. More >
Global Child Development
The Center aims to develop a portfolio of international projects that adds value to the work of others in child health and development. More >
Innovation
Now is the time to build on past advances and test new ideas to produce greater effects on the lives of disadvantaged children and their families. More >
What's Happening
The Center sponsors, organizes, or participates in projects, meetings, learning opportunities, and events located both on campus and off. More >
