ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the science of early brain development, presenting evidence to suggest that certain experiences may shape brain development, particularly in early childhood. Nonetheless, by focusing on supporting children and families during the early childhood years, the people have the potential to harness scalable, evidence-based programs and policies that may improve broader public health outcomes at the population level. One theoretical model has focused on two potentially interacting pathways by which SES may more directly influence child development-namely the home language environment and exposure to family stress. Likewise, unless the study is continued beyond 40 months, the researchers will not be able to examine longer-term consequences of increasing early childhood economic resources. When implemented at scale, evidence-based programs and policies focused on early childhood brain development may confer broad impact on population health.
