Early Childhood: A World of Relationships

Abstract

The importance of early childhood in cognitive development is reviewed. Numerous studies have shown the importance of early childhood education in improving cognitive ability and creating a foundation for lifelong learning as well as lessening poverty and social inequalities. Together with issues of social and economic inequality and creativity, early childhood is the major issue in education. The impact of relations with the mother and other carers, the environment of the home and the benefits of substantial and varied stimulation in early life are reviewed and evidence from studies of parent child relationships and of other animals are considered together with evidence from studies of neurophysiology and related fields. Pioneer studies of the gains from early childhood and their consequences in later life are summarised. That early childhood intervention brings greatest benefit to children from low socioeconomic backgrounds when undertaken by professionally qualified early learning teachers is emphasised. The impact of early childhood on the later parenting behaviour of mothers is considered. Policies of parental leave in various countries are reviewed. Economic gains from early childhood intervention are emphasised.