1. Early Brain Development

2. Synaptic Activity Rapid climb in first three years
Sustained growth until teen years
Some decline in teens years
Sustained growth over a lifetime

3. Neurons: The Building Blocks
We are born with 100 billion NEURONS
We can MAKE trillions of synaptic connections (little connecting wire things) that can be made between each neuron as we learn new things.

4. Neurotransmitters
Chemicals that affect the formation, maintenance and activity of synapses, neurons
Excite or inhibit function
Over 50 neurotransmitters identified
Endorphins – reduces pain Serotonin – low levels are associated with aggression; high levels are associated with lack if initiative Cortisol – activates body/brain defenses when under stress Melatonin – promotes sleep Noradrenaline – along with adrenaline heightens awareness

5. Brain Development Cortex - reason and logic
Limbic - emotion and long-term memory
Brainstem - survival info. path to spinal cord and the rest of the body; controls involuntary activities (breathing, heart rate, blood pressure),
Cerebellum - balance and automatic movements

6. Regions of the Brain CEREBRAL CORTEX
Frontal lobe - Thought, walking, speech, problem solving
Prefrontal lobe - Allows for planning and rehearsing future actions
Parietal lobe - Taste, touch, hand-eye coordination.
Temporal lobe - Memory, emotion, smell, hearing
Occipital lobe - Vision, visual recognition
CEREBELLUM - balance, coordination, cardiovascular activity, breathing
BRAINSTEM - Heart rate, breathing, REM sleep, crying

7. Neuroscience and Research in Early Brain Development
Neuroscience deals with the study of nerves and it’s structures
With technology, scientists and physicians have new methods to study the brain that are not intrusive
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) gives a detailed view of the brain
Detailed images of specific regions of the brain

8. Imaging techniques
Positron Emission Tomography-PET Scan

9. Implications Brain research has challenged traditional assumptions
Once thought that our genes determined how our brain developed
Genes are relevant in predisposing us toward certain traits
Environmental factors and an affect on brain development
Roles of Nature and Nurture determine intelligence and emotional resilience

10. Environmental Factors
Care
Nutrition
Surroundings
Stimulation
What else?

11. Quality of Care
Nurturing is key to learning and the regulation of emotional responses
The way parents and caregivers plan children’s contact with the environment affects the formation of neural pathways
Secure attachments during the 1rst year of life seem to predict social competency as child grows
Therefore, quality of care and secure attachment build healthy brain development.

12. Nurturing Positive Brain Development Means…
Providing a warm and loving environment;
Feeling of safety and security;
Playing interactive games, so children may make connections to language and sound;
Responding to cues and clues in children’s mood and rhythms;
Looking for the teachable moments.