In 2007, the Council for Early Child Development published Early Years Study 2: Putting Science into Action, a report that focuses on the scientific evidence supporting the importance of early learning and care as it relates to childhood development. This report is a follow up to the 1999 Mustard/McCain Early Years Study, a groundbreaking report that recommended an integrated system of community-based early child development and parenting centres linked to the school system.
Early Years Study 2: Putting Science into Action further describes how in the earliest years of life, crucial brain functions set the stage for future development. The findings affirm that experience-based brain development in the early years of life sets neurological and biological pathways that affect lifelong health, learning, and behaviour.
“This report further supports earlier findings that tell us exactly how important those first years of life really are,” says Fraser Mustard, a long time advocate for early child development. “If we can address needs and children in care early, rather than later, we can help that child reach their maximum potential. It also means we can equal the playing field for all children. ”
Moreover, the critical role of emotions and emotional processes in the healthy development of the brain were found to be affected by positive early experiences. Early positive experiences were also seen to be related to the amount of stress in the early years of life and its development of the brain and the long-term effects on physical and mental health. Everything in an infant’s environment contributes to brain development – noise, light, changes in temperature, the touch, voice and smell of a caregiver. These discoveries indicate that genes are “nurtured”, meaning they are affected by environmental factors.
“This dramatic discovery in molecular biology involves the interplay between early experiences and how, where and when genes work, “says Dr. Stuart Shanker, President, Council for Early Child Development. “If we can positively influence a child’s early experiences, we can then influence the way their genes are matured and set a pathway for success.”
In addition to the scientific studies, Early Years Study 2: Putting Science into Action addresses the need for community involvement and our ability to create a pluralistic society – a democratic society that respects diversity and equity of opportunity. Today’s families are adapting to the shifting realities of global economies, technological advances, and increasing demands to produce a new, healthy, competent generation capable of participating in rapidly changing, democratic societies.
Dr. Robin Williams, Medical Officer of Health with the Regional Municipality of Niagara agrees, stating, “We need to place a real priority on our children.” She adds that, “Our future will depend on our ability to manage the complex interplay of the emerging new economy, changing social and physical environments and the impact of change on individuals, particularly young children in their most vulnerable, early years.”
The Council aims to take the findings of this study to decision makers and community leaders and the public across the country, reflecting their commitment to make a positive difference for children and their families.
- Founded by Dr. Fraser Mustard in 2004, the [[http://www.councilecd.ca/|Council for Early Child Development]] is based on the recommendations of the Early Years Study (McCain & Mustard, 1999). The Board of Directors draws from business, education, health, academia, early child development communities, and private citizens. The Council’s operation is supported by foundation and private sector contributions. It is a not-for-profit, non-governmental association of community and scientific networks with a focus on early child development science and community action.
(Excepted from the Council for Early Child Development media release for this report)