Why prioritize 0-3?

In the first few years of life, more than 1 million new neural connections form every second. After this period of rapid proliferation, connections are reduced through a process called pruning, which allows brain circuits to become more efficient. In light of these findings, focusing on early childhood only makes sense. -Center for the Developing Child, Harvard University-

Yes... You Read That Right!

One million new neural connections are formed every second in the human brain during the first few years of life. That's why early childhood care and education matters. Early care and education includes child care, nursery school, preschool, and daycare. It includes parenting, nannies, foster parents, and grandparents. None of these forms of care can be logically separated from early education.

The brain science is clear, yet it's been largely ignored, except in academia and upper-end child care programs. Only 10-15% of child care in the US is considered high-quality.

The question remains, "How can we do better in the future for all children?"

The first few years are formative, and what happens during them lays the foundation for the rest of the child's life, whether it be positive or negative. That foundation includes mental, physical, and cognitive health.

Looking at this chart from Harvard, we can see the importance of the first few years of life for all learning. We also acquire self-regulation skills during this time frame.

The National Research Council's Institute of Medicine published From Neurons to Neighborhoods in 2000. In it, they assert that although linguistic factors exert their most powerful effects on children's achievement during early childhood, it is, in principle, possible for children to catch up given the right circumstances.

However, the amount of additional exposure a child needs to catch up increases over time. With each passing year, the gap widens and, at some point, may become insurmountable for all practical purposes.

It is no surprise that the early childhood years are portrayed as formative. The supporting structures of virtually every system of the human organism, from the tiniest cells to the capacity for intimate relationships, are constructed during this age period. -National Research Council Institute of Medicine

That's why research has shown over and over again that early childhood programs actually save money in the long run by reducing the strain on public and private education funds.

Now that we know the importance of the early years, when will we begin to take action?

Parents, professional early childhood educators, grandparents, nannies, and all other caregivers have a chance to elect officials who will support young children during their first few years of life. Use this letter to contact those who can make a difference.

To contact your candidate, follow these steps:

• Visit their official campaign website for contact information.

• Look for social media profiles on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.

• Attend local campaign events or town halls to meet them in person.

• Call their campaign office using the phone number listed online.

• Send an email to the address provided on their website.

• Use the contact forms available on their campaign site for inquiries or messages.

more info on governor's races 2026

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY!  (click on the word) She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.