“Deep dives” provide in-depth scientific content that is accurate, credible, understandable to nonscientists, and useful for public decision makers. Within each “deep dive” section, you’ll find different types of materials based on research by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, including full-length reports, working papers, briefs, and multimedia.
Adults need certain capabilities to succeed in life and support the development of the next generation. When these skills haven’t developed as they should, or are compromised by the stresses of poverty, our communities pay the price.
As early experiences shape the architecture of the developing brain, they also lay the foundations of sound mental health.
Health in the earliest years strengthens developing biological systems that enable children to thrive and grow up to be healthy adults.
Ensuring that young children have safe, secure environments in which to grow and learn creates a strong foundation for both their futures and a thriving, prosperous society. Science shows that early exposure to maltreatment can disrupt healthy development and have lifelong consequences.
Science tells us that the interactions between genes and environment shape human development. Research shows that early experiences can determine how genes are turned on and off — and even whether some are expressed at all.