The early years of life are critical in the development and future well-being of a child. Skills established during these years lay the foundation for competence and coping skills that will affect learning, behaviour and health. The pace of growth and development is very rapid in the areas of physical, motor, cognitive, social and emotional. This pace is never again equaled later in life.

Children thrive within families and communities that can meet their physical and developmental needs and can provide security, nurturing, respect and love. New evidence has shown that development from the prenatal period to age six is rapid and dramatic and shapes long-term outcomes. Positive and negative influences in the early years – the period of greatest “plasticity” – can have a lasting influence on the individual’s “trajectory” of development. 80% of brain growth occurs in the first three years of life - about half of that before birth. An earlier start is related to better intellectual development and improved independence, concentration and sociability.

Intervening early to promote child development during this critical period can have long-term benefits that can extend throughout a child's life. The calendar, produced by the Hinks Dellcrest Centre, is part of a program being implemented by CCFC encouraging early child development.

Learn More About CCFC Programs