Early childhood engagement for lifelong learning

Early childhood stimulation programs implemented at home with parents can contribute to children’s cognitive and socio-emotional development, ultimately enabling them to improve on a number of future life outcomes, including academic achievement, employment, and earnings. Such programs can be implemented cost-effectively and at scale. [...] From conception to five years of age, early childhood is an extremely important period for cognitive and psychosocial development. Children’s high levels of brain plasticity and neurogenesis make them especially receptive to external stimuli. Young children’s minds are still learning how to learn, and simple play activities that stimulate the brain through all the senses can help improve their ability to think, communicate, and connect with others. Research from around the world suggests that guaranteeing such early childhood stimulation is critical.