Early Childhood Archives - Page 4 of 6 - National Wraparound Initiative (NWI)
Research on Impact of Pre-Kindergarten
April 25, 2017 | Emily Taylor
The Brookings Institution recently published a report on the current research on the impact of pre-kindergarten and found “uniformly positive evidence of impact on kindergarten readiness”. According to the report, 42 states plus the District of Columbia now have early education programs serving 30 percent of the nation’s 4-year-olds and 5 percent of 3-year-olds. The report identifies the need for further research into the best ways to implement pre-kindergarten programs.
New Research Finds Unique Fingerprint-Like Pattern in Human Brain
February 28, 2017 | Emily Taylor
A study by researchers from the University of Oslo in Norway published recently in Nature Neuroscience, found unique, fingerprint-like patterns in the human brain. These unique network patterns develop during childhood and adolescence. Children and adolescents with mental illness symptoms were found to have a delay in the way these brain network patterns developed.
New American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement
January 5, 2017 | Emily Taylor
“Addressing Early Childhood Emotional and Behavioral Problems” is a new American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement that outlines effective evidence-based interventions in child care. It covers some of the problems frequently seen in young children including reactive attachment disorder; disruptive behavior disorders; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and anxiety and mood disorders. Lead author, Dr. Mary Margaret Gleason, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Tulane University School of Medicine, points to evidence supporting therapy for young children, over treatment with psychotropic medications.
Read about the new American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement»
Viewpoint in Favor of Universal Home Visits
January 3, 2017 | Emily Taylor
In this viewpoint piece, Martha Davis, MSS, a senior program officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, shares her experiences as a home visitor and outlines the benefits of such programs in supporting families.
Perinatal mental health interventions deliver many economic and societal benefits
December 20, 2016 | Emily Taylor
Recent research funded by NHS England reviewed evidence on interventions designed to reduce mental health problems during the perinatal period to assess the interventions’ net benefit. The results support the investment in these early interventions as valuable for improved outcomes for mothers and children, as well as health and social care savings and overall societal benefit.
Read the article about research on net benefits of perinatal mental health interventions»
NIH-funded study reveals long-term emotional effects of poor sleep
August 5, 2016 | Emily Taylor
According to recent research, children who experience inadequate or disrupted sleep are more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders later in life.
Read about the research on the impact of lack of sleep on children»
New Recommendation: Limit Exposure to ‘virtual violence’ in children’s lives
August 1, 2016 | Emily Taylor
New guidelines from American Academy of Pediatrics recommend limiting children’s exposure to “virtual violence” in video games and media. One recommendation is to “protect children under age six from all virtual violence, because they cannot always distinguish fantasy from reality”.
Read the article on guidelines for limiting kids’ exposure to virtual violence»
Dads play key role in child development
July 22, 2016 | Emily Taylor
Recent research by University of Michigan researchers tracks influence of both parents on child development. Researchers found that parents’ stress and mental health issues affect how parents interact with their children and, subsequently, childhood development.
How to care for infant mental health
June 3, 2016 | Emily Taylor
Story on the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for babies for their future mental health. Includes quotes from Louise Newman, professor of psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and Sally Watson, national president of the Australian Association of Infant Mental Health.
Read more here >>.
Cities and children’s mental health
June 2, 2016 | Emily Taylor
A recent study of 2,232 British twin children from birth to age 12 looked beyond the immediate family to determine how urban environments and psychosis are associated. Results showed 4.4 percent of non-urban 12-year-olds experienced at least one definite psychotic symptom, and 7.4 percent of urban children did. Researchers recommend cities and neighborhoods implement programs to support greater social cohesion.
Read more here >>.