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Brain Development in Infancy and How to Facilitate It
A PITC Training Session
Format: Large group (80 - 120), 1 ½ hour session; lecture with transparencies, video, discussion.
This session presents information about the basic physiology of the brain followed by key findings from recent brain development research. Emphasis is placed on those findings that are most relevant to the care of infants in groups. These include: the effect of stress on early brain development; the importance of appropriate stimulation; the role of nurturing, responsive care in optimal development; and the potential long-term consequences to the child of inappropriate, neglectful, or unresponsive care. Concepts discussed include:


  • How brain connections grow and change as a result of stimuli from the environment.
  • The importance of balance between noradrenaline and serotonin levels
  • How early stress can be harmful to the developing brain.
  • Brain agility in young children with respect to language development
  • Home language and second language acquisition
  • How infant learning occurs within relationships with adults
  • Principle of "use it or lose it"
  • Substance of understanding early emotional development and functioning
  • Seven ways to support brain development.

Related Module(s):
III Learning and Development
Related Resources:
Article Brain Development in Infancy: A Critical Period
Article Brain Research and Early Childhood Development - A Primer for Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Article Brain Research, Infant Learning, and Child Care Curriculum
Article Early Childhood and Brain Development
Article Early experience is associated with the development of categorical representations for facial expressions of emotion
Article Effects of Maternal Depression on Emotional Development of Infants and Toddlers
Article Excessive Stress Disrupts the Architecture of the Developing Brain
Article Quality of Care and the Buffering of Stress Physiology: Its Potential Role in Protecting the Developing Human Brain
Article The Ecological Brain - An Anthropologist's View
Article The Neuroscience of Joyful Education
Article The Science of Early Childhood Development Closing the Gap Between What We Know and What We Do
Handout Brain Development in Infancy and How to Facilitate It - Resource List
Handout Excerpt from Rethinking the Brain
Handout Resource List - Brain Development
Handout Resource List- Brain Development
Handout The Art and Science of Child Care
Manual Trainer's Manual Module III: Learning and Development
PowerPoint Brain Development PowerPoint Presentation
DVD The Next Step: Including the Infant in the Curriculum
Video Mag The Next Step: Including the Infant in the Curriculum
 
 

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