Volume 1.2 - Human Capital- Spring 1997

Title: Building Strong Foundation in Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach to Human Capital

Authors: Kathryn Tout, Arturo Sesma, Jr

Abstract: The years from zero to three are critical in children's lives. During these early years, the roots of cognitive and emotional competence begin to grow out of the child's interactive experiences with the physical and social environment. In the last decade, a growing body of research in neuroscience and molecular biology has underscored the importance of this period in laying the foundation for healthy child development. In this paper, we integrate theory and research from developmental psychology with recent advancements in knowledge about early brain development to highlight the features of a developmental perspective. We emphasize the role a developmental perspective can play in the creation, implementation and evaluation of human capital policies and we outline the importance of child-centered policies in providing developmental support for children and their families.

About the Authors: Kathryn Tout and Arturo Sesma, Jr. Are doctoral candidates in developmental psychology at the Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota. Tout is also an Irving B. Harris Child Policy Fellow at the Harris School.

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