Brain Development

The physical structure of a human brain is built over time. The process of brain development begins before birth and continues until adulthood.

To understand how children’s brains develop, it helps to think about the construction of a building. The process begins by pouring the foundation. Then it’s time to frame the walls, install the plumbing, add electrical wiring, and put up drywall. All of these steps happen in a specific order.

For human beings, early experiences and relationships shape how the brain is built. Families can create a strong foundation for their children by making sure they have positive experiences, healthy nutrition, and secure, loving relationships in the earliest years of life. A strong foundation leads to greater health, learning, and well-being later in life.

Children who have repeated bad experiences and unstable relationships in the early years may develop a weak foundation for future brain development. A weak foundation increases the chance that a child will face challenges later in life. This can impact future development and behavior.

The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines

Are you interested in learning about the expectations for your child's development based on their age? The Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines describe the path of children’s learning and development from birth to 8 years old. Broken down by age and major milestones, the guidelines are a sort of map, helping parents and caregivers navigate their child's early years. Experts from across Colorado developed these guidelines to create a shared understanding and a coordinated approach to learning and development.

Curious about what your little one is thinking at this age? Wondering what you can do to help them thrive and reach their developmental milestones? Check out the guidelines using the link below.

Browse the Guidelines

Download the Guidelines Document

Spanish version

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