What Reading Practitioners Need to Know about Neurology & Human Development:

The Developmental Impact of Early Experience

Katy Ans, Save the Children Peck Gee Chua, University of Minnesota

OVERVIEW

A. Introduction
B. Key facts on brain growth & development C. ECD evidence & rate of return on investment D. Current state & future possibilities

A. Introduction

Current focus on grades 1-4 Improving reading skills for 100 million children in primary grades by 2015 - USAID

Evidence shows Language interventions BEFORE school entry can make maximum impact

B. Key Facts about Brain Growth & Development

Sensitive & Critical Period for Development

Why early years bring incredible opportunities

Source: Center on the Developing Child Harvard University, 2011

Rapid brain development in early childhood through development of synapse connections.

Early Language Stimulation

Vocabulary growth in the first 3 years

Source: Hart & Risley. Meaningful Differences in Everyday Experiences of Young American Children, 1995.

Vocabulary difference by age 6 in Ecuador

By 6 years old, children show marked cognitive differences.

Source: Adapted from Paxson and Schady (2007)

Source: Hart & Risley. Meaningful Differences in Everyday Experiences of Young American Children, 1995.

C. ECD Evidence & Rate of Return on Investment

Study shows positive impact for children enrolled in preschool Impact evaluation study by the World Bank 24% more likely to be enrolled in primary school On Save the Children ECD programs in Mozambique Spent 46% more time on school-related activities
(Martinez, Naudeau, and Pereira, 2012)

Invest early, maximize results

Source: Heckman and LaFontaine (2007)

Return on Investing Early

Reduce disparities and prevent future reading failures. Decrease probability of disadvantaged children persisting through poverty. Increased school readiness.
higher enrollments in primary school less wastage and repetition of academic years fewer drop outs increased impact on learning achievement
Sources: High/Scope Perry Preschool Program, The Abecedarian Early Intervention Project

D. Current State & Future Possibilities

Early childhood is the most effective and cost-effective time to ensure that children are well prepared - The Lancet 2011 Child Development

Minimal and spotty, especially for children who are the most disadvantaged, economically, linguistically and ethnically. The OECD estimates a minimum of 1% GNP is needed to ensure quality ECD services. However, many governments appear reluctant to make the initial investment.

Whats Next?
The importance of early developmental experience on the ability to read and write (and beyond) in later years
Physical Language and communication

Socioemotional

Cognitive