Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University’s Post

100%! What the hell are we in the U.S. spending money on that is more important than early childhood? When anytime, anywhere, any day it’s likely that upstream prevention programs cost less than “putting in corrections” — and what we’re talking about is helping mothers, infants, children, families avoid the pain of seeing children with developmental trauma not fulfilling their potential and being more likely to be justice involved or to have to deal with depression, anxiety, suicidality, the sense of isolation and loneliness that could likely be avoided by supporting families with, say, home nurse visitors, paid family leave, concrete supports allowing time and space for parents to give children a safe, stable, nurturing environment? I just have to ask: What the hell are we spending money on that is more important than early childhood? And why the hell do we throw money at the painful consequence instead of the life-affirming preventive? The further upstream the better. Early saves more than $. It saves pain across generations of addiction, abuse, neglect, learned behaviors that are toxic family legacies that can be disrupted by early supports or interventions. What could be more important?

The importance of sensitive periods!! A great and succinct read.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 Early Childhood Care & Education cultivate young minds by enhancing patience and concentration in children. Interactive activities and structured guidance establish solid and all-around development among children during their crucial early years. #earlychildhoodcareandeducation #children #childhooddevelopment #onlinecourses #teachertrainingcourses #gttacademy

Our latest on the Early Childhood Checkup.

From the moment a child begins to interact with the world, a window opens. A window that invites us to shape a mind that's eager to learn and grow. Early #childhood is not just a phase; it's the foundation upon which a lifetime of learning is built. When we harness the curiosity children have at this phase by introducing them to new ideas and experiences, we do more than educate them; we inspire a passion that can last a lifetime. Early childhood education is paramount. It's during these formative years that we have the opportunity to instill a love for learning that is so strong, it becomes second nature. Let's commit to making early childhood education a priority. By doing so, we're not just teaching children; we're shaping the future. Happy Children's Day 🥰🤗 #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Education #Children #Teaching #Learning

Every person should introduce fun educational activities to kids early on. 🧠✨ Our themed worksheets are just the trick to get your little ones excited before preschool! 🎨📚 They're not just fun, they're a game-changer for early childhood development. Visit our website for more resources and watch your child's curiosity bloom! 🌼 Share if you believe in creative learning! #EarlyEducation #FunLearning #ChildDevelopment

Early childhood education holds immense potential for growth. The conventional approach to education may not always cater best to children's learning needs. Empowering children to lead their own learning journey, fostering creativity and imagination, unlocks tremendous benefits for their educational experiences! 🌟👧🎓 #fostercreativity #fostercuriosity #learningstyles #stylesoflearning #preschooleducation #schoolteacher #schooleducator #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhooddevelopment #childhoodeducation #childhooddevelopment #fosterexploration #weskoolhouse #reggioemilia #emotionalintelligence #fosterindependence #reggioemiliaapproach

The power of play in early childhood development cannot be overstated. From building social skills to fostering creativity, play is essential for young minds. As educators, it's our role to create environments that encourage exploration and imagination. What are your favorite play-based learning activities? Share your thoughts below! #earlychildhood #playbasedlearning #childdevelopment #education

Some reflections on my time in Thailand in the company of Shada Lambert and the Play People: • play can absolutely live and breathe in Year 1 if adults are willing to unlock themselves from the idea that life somehow needs to be formal to be effective. Seeing 6 year olds being given opportunities to choose and create and invent was just so heartwarming - the vision of @mrs_early_years over on Instagram is definitely worth a follow 💙 • wherever there is a degree of autonomy for teachers, good things can happen, proving yet again that the further away a person is from Ofsdead, the more fulfilled they are… ❤️ • children are absolutely extraordinary human beings and are full of possibilities that can only be seen when they are in the companionship of loving adults who value freedom and liberation 🤍 • when school leaders are prepared to listen to and acknowledge the expertise of Play People, it is then that children are afforded a richly abundant childhood rather having it extinguished 💙 • Noodle and Titch are hugely magnetic to children and can bring a whole world of magic to them - it’s been incredible to see how children have embraced their simple joy and their invitation to go and play and feel the power of being 5 years old. I cannot wait to bring Noodle and Titch out in September 2024 🤍 • play is a language that speaks in all tongues ❤️ Wherever you are in the world, if you are one of the Play People, then you truly do the work of childhood. We keep playing, we keep putting magic out there - it’s the only way to be… 👧🏻👦🏾not🤖🤖 #joy #childhood #education #eyfs #drawingclub #loveletterstoplay #play #school #kindy #kindergarten #ks1 #eyfsideas #earlychildhoodeducation #earlyyears #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhood #thecuriousquests

A soft reminder...💗 To ensure that "no child gets left behind and every child makes good growth," educators must stress the importance of involvement, equal opportunities, and a supportive environment built on strong connections. These are vital in early childhood education for fostering children's growth, learning, and well-being. Patience Osinaike #improvingearlychildhood #earlychildhoodeducation