Brain Development in the Early Years
The foundation for later learning and development are being laid in a child's first few years; the brain goes through an enormous amount of growth and change during this period. Since everything that a child experiences through their senses shape their development, a safe and engaging environment is important during this time.
The links below provide basic information about brain development in infants and toddlers, with a focus on what parents and caregivers can do to support children's development and future learning.
The links below provide basic information about brain development in infants and toddlers, with a focus on what parents and caregivers can do to support children's development and future learning.
- In Brief: The Science of Early Childhood Development - Centre for the Developing Child, Harvard UniversityA user-friendly introduction to the basics of brain development in infants and young children.
- Sunshine Behavioral Health - Exploring the Importance of Mental Health During Early Childhood DevelopmentInformation on Mental Health during early childhood development.
- [video] A Parent's Guide to Early Childhood Development - Healthy Child ManitobaA very useful introduction to the basics of early childhood development and the supports that caregivers should offer to children.
- [video] The Importance of Early Child DevelopmentDr. Clyde Hertzman, Director of Human Learning Partnership, explains sensitive periods in development and the importance of experiences during the early years.
Information on Early Childhood
The sites below provide basic information about typical development and milestones of early childhood. Knowing about how your child develops can be helpful for figuring out the kinds of supports that infants and pre-schoolers need, including early literacy supports.
As with all milestones for child development, these are guidelines only. Each child and their development is unique.
- Children's Milestones - Regina Children's InitiativeShort lists of developmental milestones and lists of practical suggestions for what parents / caregivers can do to support children's development.
- Children, Seniors and Social Development - Your Developing Child BrochuresPamphlets containing information about your developing child at 3mths, 6mths, 9mths, 12mths, 18mths, 24mths, 3yrs, 4yrs and 5yrs. Provided by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Developmental Milestones - Centre for Disease ControlUser-friendly information about developmental milestones broken down by age from 2 months to 5 years.
- Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development - Language Development and LiteracyInformation sheets on a variety of early childhood topics, developed by the Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development.
- Read, speak, sing to your baby: How parents can promote literacy from birth - Caring for Kids, Canadian Pediatric SocietyA very practical page with tips for what caregivers can do to promote early literacy. It includes a table, covering ages 0-24 months, about how to use books and interactions to support early literacy.
- Reading Milestones - Kids HealthReading milestone information for infants to age 13.
- Your Developing Child - Government of Newfoundland and LabradorInformation from the Department of Early Childhood Development, Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Zero to ThreeWealth of information on early development and well-being, parenting and early learning.
Play
Play is important for a child's development. It provides opportunity for children to learn about the world around them. For more information on the power of play visit the links below.
- The Power of PlayA collection of articles, resources, and videos curated by the Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
- Play - Encyclopedia on Early childhood DevelopmentUp-to-date information and articles on the importance of play.