ture of the brain and the process of skill formation are both influenced
by an inextricable interaction between genetics and individual experi-
ence. Second, both the mastery of skills that are essential for economic
success and the development of their underlying neural pathways
follow hierarchical rules in a bottom-up sequence such that later at-
tainments build on foundations that are laid down earlier. Third, cog-
nitive, linguistic, social, and emotional competencies are interdepen-
dent, all are shaped powerfully by the experiences of the developing
child, and all contribute to success in the workplace. Fourth, although
adaptation continues throughout life, human abilities are formed in a
predictable sequence of sensitive periods, during which the develop-
ment of specific neural circuits and the behaviors they mediate are
most plastic, and therefore optimally receptive to environmental in-
fluences (Heckman 2006).In brief, in the continually changing global marketplace, the suc-
cess of modern economies depends in part on societies having well-
educated and adaptable workers who are capable of learning new
skills. As McCain and Mustard (1999) documented in the Early Years
Study in Canada, early childhood—
... is as important for an educated, competent population as any
other period. Given its importance, society must give at least the same
amount of attention to this period of development as it does to the
school and post-secondary education periods of development.
From the perspective of society, the rationale for investing in
young children is at least threefold. Investments in young children:
- Assure equality of opportunity—ECD programs help to over-
come socioeconomic disparities by ensuring equality of devel-
opment for all children beforethey enter primary school. - Promote efficiency in society—Investing in ECD programs yields
a much higher rate of return than investing in later remedial
interventions (e.g., to reduce grade repetition, dropout from
school, delinquency, crime).
Measuring Child Development to Leverage ECD Policy and Investment 257