The Importance of the Early Years - Colorado Early Learning & Development Guidelines

The early years from birth to age eight are critically important for all areas of learning and development.

In the first few years of life, more than 1 million new neural connections are formed every second. These are the connections that build brain architecture – the foundation upon which all later learning, behavior, and health depend.¹

That is why it is important for everyone – parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors – to help kids develop and start on a path to success.

Early experiences are important in shaping how successful children are later in life. Studies show that kids who have quality early childhood experiences, including attending quality early childhood programs, are more likely to graduate from high school, own a home, have a job and earn a higher income.²

Learning in the early years lays the foundation for a successful and happy future for Colorado’s kids.

¹ Center on the Developing Child (2009). Five Numbers to Remember About Early Childhood Development (Brief). Retrieved from www.developingchild.harvard.edu.

² Temple, J., & Reynolds, A. “Benefits and Costs of Investments in Preschool Education: Evidence from the Child-Parent Centers and Related Programs.” Economics of Education Review, 26 (2007): 126-144.