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Father holding daughter
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IDEAS Impact Framework Toolkit

A brand-new toolkit for innovators in the field of early childhood.

A free self-serve toolkit for innovators in the field of early childhood.

The Brain Architects Podcast: Place Matters

In this episode of the Brain Architects, hear directly from the developers of the IDEAS Impact Framework Toolkit, as well as teams who have successfully used the Framework to shape their work.

This episode of the Brain Architects podcast features a discussion from a webinar we hosted earlier in the year about our latest Working Paper, Place Matters: The Environment We Create Shapes the Foundations of Healthy Development, which examines how a wide range of conditions in the places where children live, grow, play, and learn can shape how children develop.

Brain-Building Through Play

The following handout series, developed with support from the LEGO Foundation, provides suggestions for games and play-based activities based on a child’s age. The activities for younger children are designed for adults to engage in with children. Activities for later ages allow the adults to step back, enabling children’s independence to blossom as they transition to playing more often with peers.

Policymaker Perspectives: Q&A with Bill de Blasio

We sat down with Bill de Blasio, who served as mayor of New York City to discuss his work in early childhood education, current challenges and opportunities in the field, as well as how policies across a variety of domains—from green space to housing security—can be implemented to have a positive impact on children and families.

Place Matters: Introducing Working Paper 16

The new working paper from the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child explores the influence of the built and natural environments on child development and lifelong health.

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Reaching for Breakthroughs with Science-Based Innovation

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The science of early childhood is a source of new ideas that could be used to develop more effective policies & services focused on the early years of life.

Browse Key Concepts | Browse Deep Dives

Learn more and browse all of Science
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Using current best practices as a starting point, the Center works with a network of fellow change agents to design, implement, and evaluate innovative, science-based practice models that achieve transformational change for vulnerable children and families.

Our Innovation Model | Innovation in Action

Learn more about Innovation & Application
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Innovation does not happen in a vacuum. To bring about lasting, population-level change for children facing adversity, we must foster a movement of collective change.

Browse Key Concepts | Learning Communities in Action

Learn more about Collective Change