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NewsThe science of helping kidsAugust 10, 2007The Boston Globe SCIENCE IS talking to policy makers, explaining how they can use neuroscience and child development research to create better preschool, health, and family-strengthening programs -- instead of basing efforts to improve children's lives on politics or personal preferences. The benefits of policies based on evidence of success are clear in a new report, "A Science-Based Framework for Early Childhood Policy," released this week by Harvard's Center on the Developing Child. There's great promise in helping children: It could make schools more productive, cultivate skilled workers, and promote lifelong well-being that lowers healthcare costs. With this payoff, governments can't afford not to make scientifically sound investments in children. Policymakers should heed several points in the report. First, babies need relationships with people who engage them and respond to their interests, whether it's toes or toys. These relationships encourage healthy brain development. Second, the processes of gaining cognitive, social, and emotional skills are deeply linked, so good programs must address all three areas. Third, toxic stress can hinder brain development. If children don't get adequate support, they can be impaired by exposure to violence or parents coping with poverty, mental illnesses, or addictions. As the report notes, putting existing preschool programs under the microscope reveals flaws. One example is daycare centers that cost less because they employ less skilled staff. In fact, programs with better outcomes have highly skilled staff. Another challenge is figuring out how to expand small, successful childhood programs and maintain quality. One proven intervention is the Nurse-Family Partnership, a home visiting program in 23 states -- not including Massachusetts -- that sends nurses to meet with low-income, first time parents. The visits start during pregnancy and continue for two-and-a-half years. The goals are to promote healthy pregnancies, teach parenting skills, and help parents with work and education so that they can earn more. According to studies by the RAND Corporation and others, the program saves money by increasing tax revenues generated by parents and reducing social service costs from welfare to jails. A bill in the US Senate would expand the program into all 50 states. Scientists are doing their part to share their insights; Dr. Jack Shonkoff, the director of Harvard's child development center, presented the group's work this week at the convention of the National Conference of State Legislatures. But science still needs help getting out of labs and into public policy. That's why politics and science should form a marriage that does what's best for children. |
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© 2008 Evidence-Based Associates