Transformative Gains Through Investing in the Early Years? The Case for Focusing on Early Childhood Development

Abstract

There is a strong case to be made for investing in a child's early years. The period from pre-conception to 8 years in particular is a period of intense brain functioning and development.The foundations for lifelong learning and development are laid in these years of a child's life. Investing in this period can, therefore, not only be transformative in terms of the outcomes achieved but also cost-effective from a policy perspective.