From Neurons to Neighborhoods : The Science of Early Childhood Development

by Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development, Youth and Families Board on Children, National Research Council

How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Education, Parenting, Science

608 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a dense text, not intended for the casual or lay reader with an interest in child development, but definitely worth reading for professionals and stake holders in early childhood education, special education, social work and psychology. It is a bit of a chore to get through, because of its density and much of the information may be gleaned from other more reader-friendly books. The executive summary and chapters of particular interest to the reader are worthwhile however - even if you don't read it cover to cover.

My only real problem with this book is that it comes from the biased opinion of those with vested interest in government involvement in education. Many of their suggestions for policy changes ask for state and federal government to be the change makers, when such change would most likely be more efficient and effective if undertaken by private non-profit and for-profit institutions, organizations and foundations. In fact, government involvement may actually harm early childhood education, as their rules are often arbitrary and fail to account for the experience and circumstances of individual children and families - as well as being inefficient in terms of time and resources - which is esp. detrimental to those children in need of early interventions.

Nevertheless, the data and research included are very worthwhile for professionals and stakeholders in the education and development of young children, even if I don't agree with all the conclusions regarding policy.

[Shannon Hedges · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yawn. OK, it's actually a pretty good book, but I read similar material year after year. This is also rather dated. There are better books concerning early neurodevelopment. Still, you may want to check it out: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=...

[Karina Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is all about how culture, not brain chemistry, affects early development. It challenges the idea of nature vs. nurture and brings in the cultural effects. It stresses the importance of relationships at an early age and how to communicate and learn through them. It also takes the time to go in depth on how the physical brain itself develops though. A dense book that really challenges our entire belief system around the early years of development.

While this is not a light read, it is informative and valuable.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so I had to read this for work. But, feeding my love for applied neuroscience, this book did a very good job of being able to break down the different aspects of development and it's effect on local and larger communities.

[Tiffany]

The writing style is extremely scientific and technical. Not exactly a page turner, but I enjoy reading abiut brains and development, so I liked. Sheds some important light on policies that affect early childhood.

[Leslie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Government report. That's all you need to know.

[Kimtastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

so far I've learned about the libraries overdue book fees

[Jody · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an overly worded guide of childhood intervention strategies aimed at making the time between 0-4 years most productive. No information here that a normal caring parent wouldn't already know.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good things to consider for parents and/or teachers

[Tyra Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature vs. Nurture...the classic debate with an early childhood research spin

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for EVERYONE with kids