The Beacon 2018 | Issue 2 Final Beacon - April 2018 PDF | Page 9

Why is Early Intervention Soooo
Important?
By: Anne McCoy,
Pediatric Occupational
Therapist
A
t the Little Light House, we
are delighted to soon begin
providing additional services
for our waiting list families de-
signed to address a crucial need. Let
me explain why we are pursuing early
intervention and the great potential it
holds for children with special needs.
Decades of rigorous research show
that a child’s earliest experiences play
a pivotal role in brain development. 1
Even though positive changes can be
made throughout our lives, the most
vital period of brain development
is in the earliest months. Because
of these findings, there is nearly
universal agreement among medical,
educational, social and psychological
experts regarding the importance of
intervening as early as possible for
children with special needs.
A newborn’s neurons have tentative
connections which, through the child’s
earliest experiences, will become
hardwired connections responsible
for the child’s major motor, cognitive,
visual, language and emotional
functioning. During this
early time, the synapses
between neurons are created at an
astonishing rate. A child’s brain has
twice as many synapses as an adult’s
brain, attesting to the rapid learning
and hardwiring taking place during the
early years. By age three, roughly 85%
of the brain’s core structure is formed! 2
The Center on The Developing Child
at Harvard University summarizes
early intervention-research as follows:
At the Little Light House, we want
to apply this important research in
partnership with the amazing families
of our students. Our goal is to provide
the very best training, education and
support possible. In this way, we
hope to establish a solid foundation
for the children to thrive now and in
the future! That is why our renovation
is so important too!
• Neural circuits, which create the
foundation for learning, behavior and
health, are most flexible or “plastic”
during the first three years of life.
• Stable relationships with caring and
responsive adults, safe and supportive
environments, and appropriate
nutrition are key elements of healthy
brain development.
• Early social/emotional
development and physical health
provide the foundation upon
which cognitive and language skills
develop.
1. The National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC)
2. State Early Childhood Policy Technical Assistance Network (SECPTA)
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