Inclusion Matters Brain Building in the Early Childhood Setting
Apr 17, 2025
In this discussion, Sarah Hawley, a public health nurse and owner of Minnesota Child Care Health Consultants, dives into the pivotal role of early childhood experiences in brain development. She shares the crucial idea that 80% of a child's brain develops by age three. Listeners learn about the importance of nurturing relationships, responsive interactions, and emotional regulation. Sarah also emphasizes the value of human interaction over technology and previews an event promoting healthy media practices, ensuring children thrive in supportive environments.
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Rapid Neural Connections in Early Years
- Young children form 1 million new neural connections per second between birth and age three.
- Early experiences strengthen brain connections and support identity development.
Talk and Respond to Build Brains
- Talk constantly to children, even during routines, to build language and social skills.
- Use responsive caregiving that nurtures each child's needs and supports emotional and executive functioning.
Follow Children's Leads
- Follow children's lead and observe their attention to support curiosity and learning.
- Resist directing children too much; allow them to explore with your support.