Importance of early childhood development

Consult these experts’ papers in the According to experts section

Human capital interventions should include, in addition to cognition and “academic smarts”, social adaptability and motivation. (James J. Heckman)

Neglecting investment in good health (pre and post conception), good nutrition, good parenting, strong social support and stimulative interaction with others outside the home reduces the value of investment in other areas. (David Dodge)

“From pregnancy through early childhood, all of the environments in which children live and learn, and the quality of their relationships with adults and caregivers, have a significant impact on their cognitive, emotional and social development.” (Jack P. Shonkoff)

“We now know that nurture in early life as well as nature is important in early human development and that nurture in the early years has major effects on learning in school and physical and mental health throughout the life cycle.” (J. Fraser Mustard)