Early childhood is a fundamental stage in the life of human beings so that they can achieve their potential throughout life. Scientific evidence has shown that the brain develops rapidly in the early years of a person’s life and is very sensitive to the care received and environmental stimuli. It is a period that is perceived as a “window of opportunity,” because it is easier to learn and develop skills and competencies.
Early childhood comprises the 0-6 years stage and is a crucial period in which the development of brain structures and circuits occurs, as well as the acquisition of fundamental skills that will allow the improvement of more complex future skills.
Children with healthy integral development during the first years of life have a greater ability to adapt to different environments and to acquire new knowledge, helping them to achieve good academic performance as well as personal, vocational, and economic fulfillment, and become responsible citizens.
Learning starts from the moment we are born. Long before a child enters school, and as he or she grows and develops in all domains (physical, cognitive and social-emotional), he or she also learns within the contexts of affective relationships. Especially in early childhood, learning is strongly influenced by the environment in which the child interacts. The child learns in the environment where relationships take place, which in turn affect all aspects of their development.
The importance of this period in life justifies the existence of initiatives such as the Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância (NCPI).
Learn more about each one of our workstreams: International Symposium, Scientific Committee, iLab, Executive Leadership Program, CPAPI – Brazilian Center for Early Child Development, and Online course: Science and Implementation of Public Policies on Early Childhood Development.
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