BOSTON – AUGUST 6, 2007

A new report from the Center on Developing Child at Harvard University provides a closer look at the formation of the young human mind. The report, A Science-Based Framework for Early Childhood Policy, combines information from a number of fields, including neuroscience and the human genome, in an effort to create an overview of childhood development, and subsequently a kind of guide for behavioral care.

“This document is designed to help both public and private sector leaders make wise investments in our nation’s future by supporting the healthy development of young children and the needs of their families in the most effective ways,” said Dr. Jack P. Shonkoff, M.D. Shonkoff is the director of the center and a principal author of the report. Shonkoff said that the convergence of information on the subject made the report possible. It was prepared in response to requests from policymakers and released at the annual National Conference of State Legislatives (NCSL) in Boston.

The strongest findings of the report suggest that positive experiences earlier in life are more beneficial than retroactive programs later on. Furthermore, creating a stable and stimulating environment is the best way to make an atmosphere of social, mental, and physical health.