The InBrief series provides brief summaries of scientific research on the science of early childhood development and its implications for policy and programs. Each edition of the series is available in video and PDF format.
This brief explains how the science of early brain development can inform investments in early childhood. These basic concepts, established over decades of neuroscience and behavioral research, help illustrate why child development—particularly from birth to five years—is a foundation for a prosperous and sustainable society.
This brief explains how providing stable, responsive, nurturing relationships in the earliest years of life can prevent or even reverse the damaging effects of early life stress, with lifelong benefits for learning, behavior, and health.
This brief discusses how society can ensure that children have a solid foundation for a productive future by creating and implementing effective early childhood programs and policies.
This brief explains why a vital and productive society with a prosperous and sustainable future is built on a foundation of healthy child development.
This brief describes why executive function skills are essential for school achievement, success in work, and healthy lives.
This brief explains why the foundation for sound mental health is built early in life, as early experiences—which include children’s relationships with parents, caregivers, relatives, teachers, and peers—shape the architecture of the developing brain.
This brief explains why neglect, or the absence of responsive, supportive care, can affect the formation of the developing brain, impairing later learning, behavior, and health.
This brief summarizes the science of resilience and explains why understanding it will help us design policies and programs that enable more children to reach their full potential.