Three Essential Policies
According to UNICEF, there are three essential national policies that support families with young children — two years of free early childhood education for three and four year olds; paid breastfeeding breaks for new moms for the first six months; and adequate paid parental leave. The U.S. has none of these. Let’s change that.
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1,000 Days Of Growth
During the first 1,000 days of a child’s life there is more growth and development than at any other point in life. What and whom a child is exposed to during the first 1,000 days influence a child for life
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Early Intervention Matters
You can’t control the genes your baby inherits. But you can determine how well your baby is loved and supported. Abuse and neglect in early childhood can profoundly affect the brain.
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Let's Talk Teens
At Maryland Family Network we say that the first five years of a child’s life are the most important. That’s true but we want to talk to you a little bit about teenagers.
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Teen Girls Relationship with Parents Can Affect Baby Bonding Later in Life (Herald Sun)
Maryland’s Network of Family Support Centers (Maryland Family Network)
Maryland’s Network of Family Support Centers (Maryland Family Network)
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Your Song
The language of music, especially when it’s a mother’s voice, is universal.
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Mothers and Infants Connect Through Song (University of Miami)
Let's Make Believe
Do you know any four-year-olds who might actually be superheroes? What about a three-year-old who is a master chef? In the quickly developing mind of a young child these possibilities are as real as can be. A multitude of new research shows overwhelming benefits of a child’s make-believe play.
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The Need for Pretend Play in Child Development (Scientific American)
Economists Agree
Economists agree: investing in early childhood saves money.
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The Heckman Equation
The Benefits and Costs of Investing in Early Childhood Education (The Washington Center for Equitable Growth)
Early Childhood Education - Ben S. Bernanke (The Federal Reserve System)
The Benefits and Costs of Investing in Early Childhood Education (The Washington Center for Equitable Growth)
Early Childhood Education - Ben S. Bernanke (The Federal Reserve System)
Remember Childhood?
Remember childhood? Well, you may have a better memory as you age if you had more exercise as a child. Here's why.
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Childhood Exercise May Protect Against Memory Loss in Old Age (New Scientist)
The Jump Bunch (Maryland Family Network)
The Jump Bunch (Maryland Family Network)
Doctor's Orders
The American Academy of Pediatrics are calling on their members to advocate high-quality early childhood education. It’s a matter of good health.
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Pediatricians Urged to Promote Early-Childhood Education (Education Week)
Quality Early Education and Child Care From Birth to Kindergarten (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Quality Early Education and Child Care From Birth to Kindergarten (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Quality Matters
When looking for child care, quality matters. Here are a few things to look for.
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Choosing Child Care (Maryland Family Network)
Quality Matters in Early Childhood Learning Spaces (Model D)
How to Choose Quality Child Care (Zero to Three)
Quality Matters in Early Childhood Learning Spaces (Model D)
How to Choose Quality Child Care (Zero to Three)