Neuroscience in the Capital: Linking Brain Research and Federal Early Childhood Programs and Policies

Research Findings: Each year the federal government disburses billions of dollars to support young children, with a particular focus on assisting families facing hardships. Policies for children revolve around several fundamental themes, including the promotion of physical health and high-quality environments, intellectual and language skills, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships, which are also areas of focus in the increasingly interdisciplinary neuroscience and child development research communities. Practice or Policy: Through intentional and skillful dialogue, the field of brain and cognitive research can collaborate with the early education and care and policy communities to create meaningful changes rooted in the science of human development. Research on the relationships between social and environmental variables and child outcomes should work in concert with a coordinated approach to creating and presenting policy recommendations.