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Joan Lombardi recommended the Lancet article, "Putting Science into Practice for Early Childhood Development," for all World Forum Foundation Global Leaders for Young Children.  Here is an excerpt:

"We already know that the brain develops most rapidly in the first few years of a child's life.  During these critical years, neuroplasticity is at a peak — neurons form new connections at the astounding rate of up to 1,000 per second.  These synaptic connections are the foundation of a child's physical and mental health, affecting everything from longevity to the lifelong capacity to learn, from the ability to adapt to change to the capacity for resilience.

"...If children fail to get what they need — enough nutrition, nurturing, stimulation and a sense of security — during the most critical years of early childhood, the impact on their lives and futures is enormous.  For example, inadequate nutrition in the early years of childhood can result in stunting, which can cause diminished physical and cognitive development that undermine a child's ability to learn and earn later in life....

"Today, 200 million children younger than 5 years are not achieving their developmental potential.  Most of these children are growing up in the poorest households of their respective societies.  They are children living in remote rural communities and urban slums; children living through emergencies and chronic conflicts; children from minorities; and children with disabilities.  This loss of potential for these children is a personal tragedy; but more broadly, it helps permeate cycles of poverty and inequality in their societies and undermines stability and prosperity.  But investing in early interventions timed to take advantage of crucial phases of brain development can improve the lives of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and their societies."

Architects, landscape architects, educators, and environmental advocates will gather in New Zealand on March 11 – 14, 2015 for Designing Inspiring and Effective Spaces for Children, a World Forum Foundation Working Forum on Design and Nature.  Participants at the event will explore high-level universal principles necessary in designing effective and inspiring indoor and outdoor spaces for children.

You can be one them!

Learn more and register today.

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