A Science-Based Framework for Early Childhood Policy: Using Evidence to Improve Outcomes in Learning, Behavior, and Health for Vulnerable Children

This paper builds on a process of systematic analysis that began with the publication in 2000 of a landmark report by the National Academy of Sciencesentitled From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development, followed bythe ongoing work of the National Scientific Councilon the Developing Child and the National Forumon Early Childhood Program Evaluation, both of which are based at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. These groups of scientists and scholars engage in active debate about what the rapidly advancing biological and social sciences do and do not say about early childhood, brain development, and the impact of intervention programs. As agreement is reached on each issue, the groups integrate findings across disciplines and communicate this integrated information to policymakers and civic leaders to bring accurate knowledge to bear on public decision-making aimed at enhancing children's learning, behavior, and health.