News and Insights
Mattering in Early Childhood: Building a Strong Foundation for Life
In this conversation on the Brain Architects podcast, the Center’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Lindsey Burghardt, talked with Jennifer B. Wallace, award-winning journalist, and founder of the Mattering Institute who has written extensively on the topic of mattering. The Center on the Developing Child recently collaborated with Jennifer on a new working paper: “Mattering in Early Childhood: Building a Strong Foundation for Life.”
Protecting Children and Caregivers During Extreme Heat
Heat waves are occurring with greater frequency and lasting longer than ever before, shaping children’s environments—and, therefore, their development—in new ways.
Our Chief Science Officer, Lindsey Burghardt, MD, MPH, FAAP, recently joined the BUILD Initiative for a discussion on how extreme heat affects early childhood development and health, and how we can prevent or minimize the effects of extreme heat on children. Dr. Burghardt appeared alongside three other panelists, who also shared strategies and perspectives as parents, urban planners, and policymakers.
Climate disasters can alter kids’ brains — before they’re even born
A new article from Grist highlights how exposure to climate-related disasters during pregnancy and early childhood can disrupt healthy brain development, with long-lasting effects on learning, behavior, and health.
Our Chief Science Officer, Lindsey Burghardt, MD, MPH, FAAP, was quoted in the piece, emphasizing that while this is a highly sensitive developmental period, it’s also a window of opportunity. With the right supports and policies in place, we can buffer the effects of climate stress and promote resilience in both children and those who care for them.
Featured Newsletter: October 2025
In this month’s newsletter, we are excited to share a new resource: Early Childhood Development, Adversity, and Resilience: A review for pediatric health care providers. This interactive, self-paced learning module offers an overview of key science concepts related to early childhood development.
You’ll also find a new Q&A from Camille Bennett, a childcare provider and advocate in Alabama and a member of the Council on Addressing Racism in the Early Years,
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