Early Childhood Development
The early years of a child’s life are critical, as they lay the foundation for lifelong growth and potential.
- Español
- English
Challenge
Recent research shows that during the earliest years of life—and particularly from pregnancy through age three—children require proper nutrition, care, early stimulation, and protection from all forms of violence in order to develop appropriately and reach their full potential.
We know that during early childhood, children's brains form neural connections at a pace that will never be repeated again in their lifetime.
Neurons begin to multiply rapidly from gestation. By the fourth week of pregnancy, they are forming at a rate of 250,000 per minute.
At birth, a newborn has approximately 100 billion neurons—roughly the same number as stars in the universe.
This stage, known as early childhood, represents the first window of opportunity to support the development of children's brains, bodies, and skills through integrated interventions.
“We have increasing evidence, and this evidence is becoming more and more compelling, about the importance of investing in early childhood. For Guatemala, investing in early childhood must be a priority. It's ethical, strategic, smart, and cost-effective.”
UNICEF Guatemala Representative
Despite this evidence, far too many children are deprived of three essential elements for brain development: “nutrition, play, and love.” In short, we do not care for children’s brains in the same way we care for their physical health.
A review of key early childhood indicators in Guatemala highlights the scale of the challenge. The fact that one in two children under the age of five suffers from chronic malnutrition is only the tip of the iceberg.
While chronic malnutrition has long remained invisible to many sectors—and continues to be so today—even less visible has been the emotional and cognitive development of young children, responsible caregiving, and access to early education.
"The most effective moment to invest in the future of our countries, economies, and communities is during early childhood. Time is running out — the moment to act is now."
Jack P. Shonkoff, M. D.
Director of the Center for the Developing Child
Harvard University
Solution
Promoting and strengthening early childhood development requires an integrated approach, with flexible models that take into account cultural differences and the country’s specific context. This comprehensive care must address five key areas of development: health, nutrition, responsive and nurturing care, safety and protection, and early learning.
Within this framework, working in partnership with different sectors—both governmental and private—and across all levels (national, departmental, municipal, community, and family) is essential to ensure integrated, cost-effective, and scalable care that gives every child the best possible start in life.
