Latest News

Healthy Brain Development in Infants and Toddlers

Father reading to child to support healthy brain development

Healthy Brain Development in Infants and Toddlers

JoAnn Duffey
ECI Regional Manager

Have you ever heard that a child’s brain is like a sponge? They soak up everything that’s going on around them, even when parents and caregivers think a child is not paying attention. 90% of brain development and growth happens before kindergarten.

From birth to age 5 are crucial developmental years. Parents and caregivers must ensure positive interactions and opportunities through everyday experiences for healthy brain development. These early years are important in setting the foundation for who a child will become.

The brain is much more sensitive to experiences in the first few years of life than in later years. (Tierney & NELSON III, 2009)

Ways to ensure positive experiences for healthy brain development

  • Provide a safe environment – Children need to feel both physically safe and psychologically safe through consistency and predictability of their daily environment and routines.
  • Manage stress – Children will pick up on stress in their environments. This means that parents need to take care of themselves, too. It is difficult to care for your child if you are tired and stressed all the time.
  • Provide Love – There is no limit to the amount of love and affection you can give a child. Even if a child doesn’t remember the early years of snuggling with his/her parent, the brain does. The experiences leave impression for a lifetime.
  • Talk, play, read and sing – Talk to you child and explain the world around them, even before they can speak. Engage in play that your child enjoys, using books and songs to capture their attention.
  • Proper Nutrition – Providing children with a balanced diet of healthy whole foods will set the foundation for a healthy brain and support brain development. When a proper diet supports a healthy brain, children are typically calmer and more focused.
Brighton Center Child Celebrating

Testimonials

It was nothing short of a miracle. Brighton offered affordable services, in home visits, and the friendliest/most knowledgeable therapists. A weight was lifted off our shoulders and we knew we had a team in place who cared for and about Ishan as much as we did.
Kosha Vriseno, Ishan's Mom | Early Childhood Intervention Services

Testimonials

When I first met Reylan, it was extremely difficult for him, his teachers, and his family just to get through the day. He had been kicked out of six other preschools for his extreme behavioral difficulties, violence, putting others in danger, and inability to regulate his emotions. He was behind on meeting developmental milestones, his classmates were fearful of him, and he was constantly in a str...
Alix Martinez, Brighton’s Preschool Director | Special Education Support Services
Brighton Preschool Logo

Testimonials

We are so thankful our grand-daughter has the opportunity to attend the Monte-Vista location, down by Trinity U. Ms. Marty and the entire staff/team are UH-MAZING! Tonight was just another example. Kids will be kids, and our grand-daughter plays HARD! They were playing inside this afternoon (it's 102 outside) and she ran into the window which unfortunately shattered. Amelia had a laceration on her...
Ken Hicks, Amelia's Dad | Special Education Support Services
Brighton Center Amelia Saylor

Testimonials

With Brighton's help, I feel like we now have the tools to help Amelia process her sensory issues. Amelia has made such a huge progress in her speaking that her delay no long seems insurmountable. Without these services, we would not be able to communicate with our daughter. Brighton Center's Early Childhood Intervention services are invaluable to families like ours.
Maria Saylor, Amelia's Mom | Early Childhood Intervention Services
Brighton ECI Services Logo

Testimonials

Everyone at Brighton has been extremely accommodating. When I'm not comfortable with something or feel that something isn't working, my team of Brighton therapists listen and help me choose a different avenue.
Laura Gueringer, Colin's Mom | Early Childhood Intervention Services
Parents with their Children

Testimonials

Brighton’s advocate, Girasol, really helped us get our 3 year old son the services he needed from our local school district. After getting incorrect information from the school district about my son’s eligibility for services, Girasol educated not only our family but also the school district. She reviewed our son’s evaluation documents and talked with us on the phone about the entire special...
Jillian Benfield, Anderson's Mom | Special Education Support Services