From Neurons to Neighborhoods : The Science of Early Childhood Development

The product of a two and one half year investigation involving 22 members of the Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development. This committee is part of the National Academy of Sciences. The funding for the study came from a wide range of public and private sponsors. The best minds in the fields of neurobiological studies and behavioral and social sciences converge to create the "SCIENCE" of early childhood development. The old "nature vs. nurture" battle is revisited as well as the impact of culture on development. This book contains an in-depth discussion of the latest early brain development information. Research well-documents the fact that the first years of life are important! They build the base for future development. "Windows of opportunity" do not "close" at certain ages making learning impossible. However, learning of some skills is easier in early life. The effort to develop these skills past the "window of opportunity" involves not only more work but the extra cost of intervention.Environment is important to early learning. Relationships, however, are the core of it all in early childhood. This book clearly spells this out so policy makers and businesses will know what is necessary in the making of our next generation.This is a valuable resource for any professional library.

"Neurons to Neighborhood" has played a seminal role in increasing recognition among early childhood professionals and the general public of the critical role of neural development during the first years of life on subsequent life outcomes. In particular, it identifies childhood poverty as perhaps the major factor causing later cognitive and emotional deficits and disparities. That said, the book is ten years old and badly in need of a revision both to include important new research but to address a new audience. It is basically a public policy report and hence written in the mind-numbingly boring prose which seems de rigeur within the Beltway. Dr. Shonkoff's Center on the Developing Child has done an admirable job publishing short, accessible precis of many of the books findings. What is needed, in my opinion, is a shorter, more concise and more intellectually provocative work of "popular science" and social analysis.

My dislike is when my order comes in longer

Excellent book that I was unable to find in the local book store. Refer to this book frequently of past information. Able to compare it with current knowledge about early childhood development. Great Reference book. Would recommend to others as a reference book and as a historical book regarding children.

Fantastic book but quite a lot has changed in the field since the book was published on 2000. Do not be deterred by this, the book is still amazing and the research done by the author was thorough.

Great data... but it is heavy reading so make sure you are rested when you sit down with this one...

Old, and thereby inexpensive, but still an important book to read.

This book offers a wholistic approach to child development! Starting in pre-development and leading up to adulthood, this book discusses the overall changes and approaches to child development. Must have for anyone working with children!