About Early Childhood

Early childhood is most often identified as the time period in children’s lives from birth to eight years of age. Historically, the family has been considered to be responsible for the well being of children prior to entering school. As more women moved into the workplace, the role that non-parental caregivers play has become increasingly important.

Recently, increased attention has been focused on the very early years of children’s lives. Research on brain development has shown that the experiences children have in the first three years of life significantly impact the physical structure of the brain and children’s ability to learn. By the time children enter school, 90% of a child’s brain growth has been completed. Investment in providing high quality experiences in the years prior to entry into the K-12 education system has been shown, especially for at risk children, to provide a return on investment ranging from $7 to $17 for every dollar spent, depending on what factors are measured.

This return on investment is based on reductions in need for remedial and special education, lower drop out rates, less involvement in the criminal justice system, higher enrollment in college, and higher lifetime earning potential.

Understanding of brain development research has implications for:

• Public policies that affect young children
• The quality and delivery of early care and education programs
• The support offered to parents and guardians of young children
• Access to health care and preventative health care services
• The availability of services to support social/emotional development

Colorado has developed the Early Childhood Colorado Framework as a collective vision on behalf of Colorado’s young children and their families. The Framework provides a common vision within which public and private, state and local partners can see their work; outlining the efforts needed by all partners to make positive change in the lives of young children and their families, including specific strategies for action and concrete outcomes for children and families.