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A Child's Brain 
Early Experiences
At birth, the human infant's brain is an astounding organ composed of some 200 billion nerve cells - but the vital connections, the "circuitry" between cells, is not yet established.
- Experiences shape the way these circuits are made in the brain. By the time a baby is three, the brain will have formed 1000 trillion connections.
- Brain development in the first year of life is far more rapid and extensive than previously realized. By the time a child is age three, their brain patterns, or "wiring", are nearly fully developed.
A Parent's Touch
Parents' touching, holding, talking, cooing, playing and reading are vital to the development of their baby's brain.
- Early environmental influences will have long-lasting effects on brain development. Parents' loving interactions with their baby maximizes the number of connections created.
- These "networks" of interconnected brain cells allow thinking and learning to take place.
- Touching, holding, singing, reading and cooing all stimulate the brain to release important hormones that help form the networks.
- As a baby matures, these vital connections will enable him or her to cope with new experiences and situations.
Environment
Children raised in neglectful environments form fewer connections
- The lost potential of a neglected, underdeveloped brain cannot be fully recovered when a child is older.
- Neglected children begin school at a disadvantage.
Abuse
Abused infants develop defensive, even violent responses that persist throughout life.
- Chemical patterns established in the first three years of life tell a child how to react to his or her environment.
- Children in stressful environments learn to respond aggressively or defensively.
- Exposure to trauma, such as abuse, develops pathways that control the fear response and causes high levels of hormones that trigger aggressive and violent behavior.
- The abilities to form relationships and to learn are established by a child's early life experiences.
Zero to 6
The years zero to six are the crucial window for the beneficial development of the individual, as well as the prevention of later destructive behaviors.
- By the time children reach age six, they have in place fundamental traits that greatly affect their prospects to either succeed or fail throughout life.
- In order to achieve maximum potential in their lives, children must--by age six--adequately develop their physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and creative skills.
- Conception to six is the critical time to prevent and intervene in social problems, including child abuse and neglect, and to save children.
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More Topics
in this Section
School Readiness Dimensions
A Child's Brain
Developmental Stages
Preparing for School
Learn More
Related Links
Parents Place
Oregon's Child
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