A formative six-year journey
Early childhood encompasses the initial six years of life, a period marked by rapid brain development, with about one million neural synapses forming each second. By the end of early childhood, a child will have developed 90% of their brain’s capacity.
This crucial phase significantly influences a child’s learning capacity, adaptability to changes, and resilience in the face of challenges. It shapes not just their cognitive abilities but also their social and emotional competencies.
Investing in a fairer and more equitable society
Global evidence underscores the effectiveness of early childhood investments in breaking cycles of intergenerational poverty.
Renowned economist James Heckman, Nobel Prize laureate in 2000, found that each dollar invested in early childhood yields a sevenfold return to society. Furthermore, a longitudinal study spanning over three decades by the University of the East Indies demonstrated that individuals who received early childhood care achieved higher educational levels, earned 25% more income, engaged less in unlawful activities, and reported fewer instances of depression.
Against this backdrop, prioritizing investments in programs and public policies that support the healthy development and well-being of children up to six years old is crucial for addressing social inequalities from the outset.
Advancing early childhood development in Brazil
Integrating diverse practices and knowledge is crucial for ensuring the healthy development of all children. At the Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância, we spearhead initiatives that utilize scientific insights to bolster and refine public policies targeting this critical developmental stage.
Perguntas frequentes
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about early childhood.
Early childhood spans the period from birth to 6 years of age. It is during this stage that the foundations of cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional development are formed. It is a fundamental stage for each person to be able to reach their full potential throughout their life.
Scientific evidence has shown that the brain develops rapidly in the first years of life and is highly sensitive to care and environmental stimuli. This period is considered a “window of opportunity,” because it is when learning skills and developing abilities and competencies happens most easily.
Children with healthy, well-rounded development during their early years are better able to adapt to different environments and acquire new knowledge, which later contributes to good school performance, personal, vocational, and economic fulfillment, and becoming responsible citizens.
Low coverage of prenatal care and childhood vaccination, exposure to violence, malnutrition, neglect, and lack of access to quality education are some of the risk factors faced by Brazilian children.
Science has already shown that if we improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable children now — ensuring they have health, affection, nutrition, safety, and quality education — we greatly increase the chances that they will have a better future. The earlier this intervention happens, the greater the chances these children have of reaching their full potential, which also reduces their future involvement in criminal activity, school dropout rates, and the development of aggressive behaviors.
All of society is, to some extent, responsible for promoting children’s development. Fathers, mothers, and other caregivers contribute to children’s growth by offering affection, dialogue, and positive interactions. Everyone else has a role in ensuring that the environments children move through are safe, inclusive, stimulating, and free of any prejudice. Public policy, in turn, is responsible for supporting caregivers and guaranteeing access to essential services such as health, nutrition, safety, and quality education.
Early childhood cuts across different sectors of public administration — from health to education, from social assistance to culture, from the environment to public safety. That’s why it should be considered in every sphere. If you work in one of these fields, it’s worth getting to know and diving deeper into the scientific evidence in the materials produced by Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância, available for free on our website, in our newsletter, and on our social media. With this information, you can be prepared to bring up the topic on many different occasions.
You can get in touch with us via email at ncpi@ncpi.org.br or through our WhatsApp +55 11 932144113.
If you are a journalist, you can contact our press office at gp4@fundamento.com.br
How NCPI can support you
Access the content produced by the NCPI Scientific Committee and see how it can support you in strengthening public policies for early childhood in your city or state.
Systematized scientific evidence
Gain access to distilled results from both international and national research, presented clearly and concisely, focusing on pivotal early childhood themes within the Brazilian context
Initiatives to follow closely
Discover more about our core initiatives, such as the Science for Early Childhood Award, the International Symposium, the Executive Leadership Program, and the Community of Leaders
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