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Importance of the Early Years
Our earliest experiences lay the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health.
During the first five years of life, brain development is at an all-time high, with more than a million new neural connections being formed every second!
Children's earliest experiences help shape how they learn, communicate, and interact with the world around them. Nurturing relationships and safe, stable environments during these formative years are essential for building skills that will impact a child's future success in school and life. Positive early experiences also help foster secure attachments, emotional regulation, and social skills, all of which are vital for a child’s overall health and well-being.
From parents and grandparents to early educators and pediatric specialists, caregivers who interact with children during the first five years are the stewards for early growth and development. That is why our work focuses on supporting caregivers with tools necessary to create stable, enriching care environments, and resilient, nurturing relationships.
Quick Facts
The foundation for all future health, learning,
and well-being is set during the early years -
birth through age 8.
During the first few years, a child’s brain
is developing faster than during any other
period in life—forming one million new neural
connections every second.
Studies show high-quality early childhood programs can lead to lifelong benefits, such as academic success, higher earnings, improved health, and lower participation in social service
programs and the criminal justice system.
Investments in effective programs during the
early years offer a return of 13% over time—
about $6 for each $1 invested.
Colorado has made a clear commitment to
its youngest children to make sure they are valued, born healthy, and set up to thrive.
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