The Research Base for a Birth through Eight State Policy Framework

Posted by on May 06, 2013

The Research Base for a Birth through Eight State Policy Framework

OVERVIEW
Early experiences in childhood lay a critical foundation for later success. The relationships, environments and supports that children experience have a profound impact on their development, because critical neurological and biological systems grow most rapidly in these earliest years and lay the foundation for later growth and development. Throughout early childhood, from birth through age eight, children need early, consistent, high-quality supports to promote and sustain their developmental gains.

Building on decades of research and theory identifying the essential supports for children’s development, particularly vulnerable* children, a Birth through Eight Policy Framework emphasizes health, family support, and learning as critical policy areas, and standards, assessment practices, and accountability systems as critical foundations
to implement the policies.

http://www.childtrends.org/Files//Child_Trends-2013_04_01-FR_Birth-Eight.pdf