"We all have the duty to call attention to the science and seriousness of early childhood cognitive development the ages between birth and age five are the foundation upon which successful lives are built."
First Lady Laura Bush at the White House Summit on Early Childhood Cognitive Development
The first years of a child's life, from birth through age five, are the most critical in terms of educational development. In that year, a child's brain triples in size, reaching 80% full-grown by age two, and nearly adult-size before entering kindergarten. Developmentally, these first few years are a time of great potential, and studies show that children who experience stable, high-quality child care and education during this period consistently demonstrate better language and math skills, form secure attachments with adults and other children, and develop better cognitive and social skills than those who go without.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers six indicators of quality in early care and education:
- Small group size
- Low teacher-to-child ratios
- Developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Adequate teacher training
- Parent-teacher communication
- An environment that is safe and clean.
Using these important criteria as a guideline, Smart Start proudly supports several programs directly related to improving the quality of child care centers, group homes and family care settings.