The First Three Years and Beyond: Brain Development and Social Policy(Current Perspectives in Psychology)

Recommendations for infant and toddler care and development based on current brain research and its implications How much do children’s early experiences affect their cognitive and social development? How important is the parent’s role in child development? Is it possible to ameliorate or reverse the consequences of early developmental deficits? This vitally important book draws on the latest research from the social sciences and studies on the brain to answer these questions and to explore what they mean for social policy and child and family development. The authors affirm that sound social policy providing for safe and appropriate early care, education, health care, and parent support is critical not only for the optimal development of children, but also for strengthening families, communities, and the nation as a whole. Offering a wealth of advice and recommendations, they explain: • the benefits of family leave, child care, and home visitation programs; • the damage that child abuse inflicts; • the vital importance of nutrition (and breast feeding) for pregnant women and young children; • the adverse effects that occur in misguided efforts to disseminate research too early; • and more. Written by experts in the field of early child development, care, and education, the book is essential reading for parents and policymakers alike.

About the Author :
Edward Zigler is the Sterling Professor of Psychology Emeritus at Yale University and director of the Bush Center in Child Development and Social Policy. Matia Finn-Stevenson is a research scientist at Yale University, associate director of the Bush Center, and director of the School of the 21st Century programme. Nancy W. Hall is a doctoral candidate at Yale University.

Review :
"This book offers policymakers essential information about child development and the need for a continuum of supports to both children and their families. I highly recommend it for all concerned about the healthy developmet of our children."- Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children's Defense Fund; "A masterfully woven tapestry of early childhood policy and science. Ed Zigler and his colleagues connect the dots between what we know from science into what we should do for our nation's infants, toddlers, and their families." Matthew E. Melmed, Executive Director, Zero To Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families; "A wonderful document of all the research and thinking about the first three years of a child and family's development. I recommend it as a resource for all of us who are interested in outreach and intervention for families with small children." T. Berry Brazelton, M.D."