90% of a child's brain develops by age 5.
From birth to age 5, a child’s brain develops more, and more rapidly, than at any other time in life. And while genetics plays a significant role, scientific research has made clear that the quality of a child’s experiences in the first few years of life – positive or negative – helps shape how their brain develops. And that these experiences have lasting impact on their health and ability to learn and succeed in school and in life.
Early experiences affect the development of brain architecture, which provides the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and even health. Adverse experiences early in life can impair brain architecture, with negative effects lasting into adulthood. Positive experiences help establish a solid base for strong cognitive and emotional development. Read here for more.