program had an effect, but it was weaker than the effect for children
who had the preschool-plus-school program.
➣See “The Abecedarian Experience,” by Joseph Sparling, Craig T. Ramey,
and Sharon L. Ramey in this publication.Summary
The results from these and other studies are compatible with the evi-
dence from the neurosciences and biological sciences that the critical
and sensitive periods for brain and biological development are signif-
icantly influenced by experience in the early years beginning with
pregnancy. Later interventions have a limited effect.
A substantial investment in early child development will be necessary
if we are to improve the competence, health, and well-being of popu-
lations throughout the world.Ingredients of Success
The best ECD interventions are comprehensive, integrated programs
involving parents that combine nurturing and care, nutrition, and
stimulation. They focus on the whole child and involve families and
communities. Most importantly, they begin early, preferably when a
mother is pregnant or soon after she gives birth.
The essential ingredients for successful, effective ECD programs are
outlined in The Early Years Study: Reversing the Real Brain Drain(McCain
and Mustard 1999), a report to the Government of Ontario, Canada.
The ingredients outlined in this report include:
Support for Caregivers.Early child development is profoundly af-
fected by the quality of caregiving children receive and the degree
of support provided to parents and caregivers. ECD initiatives
should include both prenatal and postnatal support.Involvement of Parents and Institutional Support.Initiatives to ensure
high-quality early child development must involve parents and
have appropriate institutional support. They should arrange for
nonparental care (i.e., day care), effective interaction of children78 J. Fraser Mustard