The Center on the Developing Child website by Harvard University is an extensive and impressive source for early childhood information. The many topics investigated on the website include: Science of Early Childhood, Understanding Intervention, Innovation, Global Child Development, and Foundation of Lifelong Health. The most interesting topic to me is the Science of Early Childhood. One topic included in this is the body’s response to toxic stress. There are three different types of stress that the body reacts to; positive, tolerable and toxic. Harvard research has found that prolonged exposure to toxic stress, such as physical or emotional abuse, chronic neglect, caregiver substance abuse or mental illness, exposure to violence, and/or the accumulated burdens of family economic hardship, can have a lasting impact on a developing body (Harvard, 2011). The more toxic stress a child encounters the better the chances are that the child will experience developmental delays and health problems as an adult.
Another topic of interest is Understanding Intervention. This part of the website is dedicated to explaining how and why the research of early childhood can help predict successful outcomes of childhood. Understanding Intervention also shows the benefits of early intervention, the practices that are successful at this age, and adds to the research that supports early intervention.
The final topic that interested me is the section on Global Child Development. Harvard is using their research to better early childhood outcomes around the world. Although there is still a great need for funding and awareness, Harvard’s research is showing countries around the world how secure a better future for children by beginning intervention at an early age. This information sharing will help bring equality and excellence to children around the world. I will be looking to this website for professional research in the years to come.
Harvard University (2011) Global Children’s Initiative Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative
I too visited this web site--lots of information to take in! It was fascinating about the impact of toxic stress on child development and growth; one does not fully realize the toxicity children are surrounded by in all parts of the world. I am glad for institutions such as this one focusing on the ill-effects as well as focusing on preventative measures so that children can have positive, healthy outcomes.
ReplyDeleteI too visited this website and found a wealth of information. I also thought the information on toxic stress was interesting. Stress effects children much more than we realize at times.
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