Brain architecture develops early

Until recently, almost all we knew about raising children was essentially self-taught. We have followed the example of our parents, or of the relatives or neighbors we respect, or of some best selling guru or TV super nanny. Scientists, meanwhile, have been researching brain development and they found that what doesn't develop by age 6, never will. A child's "brain architecture" is essentially complete by then.

When a child receives encouragement to solve a problem or work out the pronunciation of a word, it helps her brain grow. Children should have stimulating projects to do and stable, responsive relationships with adults to build healthy brains. This is a strong foundation for health, good behavior, and lifelong learning.

Professor James Heckman, Nobel Prize-winning economist from the University of Chicago, has dedicated his recent research to finding the most effective way to invest in our workforce. His findings show that we will have a wonderfully fruitful and productive future workforce -- if we invest in children before the age of 6!

Heckman's research shows that programs like Head Start and Early Head Start pay off two ways. First, children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn, not as problem children that cost local school districts extra expenses in special education. Second, as adults, these children earn more and are less likely to get involved in crime than their peers who couldn't attend a quality preschool. Those healthy brain pathways are there for life.

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