Early Childhood

Early Childhood. The time from birth until a child starts school, around the age of five years old. A magical time. A critically important time, especially for brain development. An important time as well for a child to develop foundations in social emotional development (how to play well with others among other things!).

An associates degree in Early Childhood Development is possibly the most important of my educational achievements. A simple degree maybe, but so fundamentally important in understanding the growth and development of young children. Which often seems to explain why adults behave the way they do. I've often said of cranky adults....must have been a cranky baby!

I find that much of what I learned there I have applied to people of all ages. So many of us just need;

A snack A story A hug A nap

The developing child is truly a miracle. At birth, their tiny brains only know how to survive. To swallow. And breathe. Studies show that the connection and development of brain synapses over the next 3-5 years form critical lifelong patterns and processes. Many things can help a developing brain. There are also things that can hinder that development.

A few years ago I decided to refresh my thinking on child development fundamentals. To see if the things I had learned so many years ago, were still being held to as principles in the early childhood world. I attended a seminar at the Schoenbaum Family Center and Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy Center in Columbus . The day reinforced what I first learned, and the principles I use in my work with children and families in the public library world. That creating environments which allow them to learn through play, be safe and nurtured, and most importantly loved and respected are key aspects to the developing child. That seminar lead me to information from https://www.braininsightsonline.com/. The research hasn't changed a lot in the past years. Nurturing our little ones is so important in helping them to develop the happiest, healthiest little brains that they can! More information on Neuro-Nurturing can be found here.