Public Awareness Initiative Focuses on the Importance of Early Education

BOSTON – Brain Building in Progress, a public-private early childhood education communications initiative developed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and United Way, launches statewide today to raise the public’s awareness of the importance of early years to the development of young children.

The launch of the Brain Building in Progress campaign follows the 2011 National Business Leader Summit on Early Childhood Investment held in Boston this past July. At the Summit, Jack Shonkoff, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, discussed the direct impact that a negative environment can have on a developing brain. Research shows that stable and supportive relationships, language-rich environments, and engaging interactions with
caring adults promote healthy brain architecture.

Increasing access to high quality early education and care and out-of-school programs is a key component in the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to close achievement gaps and ensure all students are prepared for future success.

http://www.mass.gov/Eoedu/docs/EEC/news/2011822brainbuildinginprogress.pdf