The developing brain begins to form early in the prenatal period. With the basic structures of the brain in place, babies are born ready to learn. The infant’s early and ongoing experiences (sensory, motor, emotional, and cognitive) help to build connections in the brain, stimulating the “firing and wiring” of synapses that connect neural circuits. During the first three years of life, there is rapid-fire development of trillions of synapses, however, not all of these synapses are used and some are “pruned” or eliminated. Those connections that are reinforced by experience become “hard wired” and work more efficiently and effectively. A child’s early experience, in the context of attuned and responsive caregiving, everyday routines, and age appropriate stimulation, influences which connections are maintained. The brain continues to build connections throughout life, but never as quickly as early childhood.
In general:
(ZERO TO THREE (ND), National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, 2000; National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2005, 2007, 2010, ND)