Early Brain Development | ZERO TO THREE

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Explore our resources about key stages of early brain development. ### From birth to age three, the brain experiences rapid, transformative growth that shapes lifelong learning, behavior, and mental health. #### Understanding the phases of brain development can help caregivers make a lasting impact during these critical years. [Faq on early brain development](https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/for-families/frequently-asked-questions-about-brain-development/) Jump To: - [ZERO TO THREE's Baby Brain Map](https://www.zerotothree.org/early-brain-development/#anchor-subheading-1) - [Research and early brain science](https://www.zerotothree.org/early-brain-development/#anchor-subheading-2) - [Executive functioning in the developing brain](https://www.zerotothree.org/early-brain-development/#anchor-subheading-3) - [Supporting early brain development through everyday moments](https://www.zerotothree.org/early-brain-development/#anchor-subheading-4) - [Want to learn more about early brain development?](https://www.zerotothree.org/early-brain-development/#anchor-subheading-5)  > The neuroplasticity of early childhood makes young children incredibly vulnerable, but also incredibly resilient and responsive to positive intervention. > > Christina Fiorvanti, PhD, HealthySteps Specialist and Psychologist at NYP Queens ## ZERO TO THREE's Baby Brain Map #### Our “Baby **Brain Map”** is designed to educate parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals about the critical stages of early brain development in young children from birth to three years old.  ##### This tool provides an engaging, user-friendly way to explore early brain science during  these formative years, emphasizing the impact of experiences, relationships, and environmental factors on neural development. [Learn More](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/the-baby-brain-map-your-guide-to-early-brain-development/) ## Research and early brain science #### Explore data and research on the stages of early brain development and early brain science.  Resource ### What are the most important influences on brain development before birth? During the early stages of prenatal development, the foundation is laid for everything from movement and breathing to memory and emotional connection. Details [What are the most important influences on brain development before birth?](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/what-are-the-most-important-influences-on-brain-development-before-birth/)  Good Question ### How do infants translate sounds to language? The journey from sounds to language is an intricate process that begins in infancy. Learn about the ways infants begin to translate sounds to language. Details [How do infants translate sounds to language?](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/how-do-infants-translate-sounds-to-language/)  Distillation ### Maternal Mental Health and Prenatal Brain Development: A Proven Link Various factors can contribute to poor maternal mental health and research shows that impacts babies even before they are born. Details [Maternal Mental Health and Prenatal Brain Development: A Proven Link](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/maternal-mental-health-and-prenatal-brain-development-a-proven-link/)  Distillation ### Understanding Brain Development in Babies and Toddlers The first three years of life are a critical period in development. Read more about understanding brain development in babies and toddlers. Details [Understanding Brain Development in Babies and Toddlers](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/distillation/understanding-brain-development-in-babies-and-toddlers/)  Distillation ### What does trauma do to a baby’s brain? Trauma can greatly impact the developing and vulnerable minds of young children aged 0-3. However, the impact of trauma can vary depending on some key factors. Details [What does trauma do to a baby’s brain?](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/distillation/what-does-trauma-do-to-a-babys-brain/)  ### Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Development Details [Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Development](https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/for-families/frequently-asked-questions-about-brain-development/)  Distillation ### 22 Statistics You Need to Know About Childhood Brain Development The first three years of a child’s life are the most pivotal, and also the most vulnerable when it comes to childhood brain development. Details [22 Statistics You Need to Know About Childhood Brain Development](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/distillation/22-statistics-you-need-to-know-about-childhood-brain-development/)  ### Early Development Our host of evidence-based resources features the latest scientific research on early childhood development. These resources are valuable for helping parents, caregivers and professionals understand their roles in a child's development and know when early intervention services are needed. Details [Early Development](https://www.zerotothree.org/issue-areas/early-development/)  ### Why 0-3? Details [Why 0-3?](https://www.zerotothree.org/why-0-3/)  Virtual Event ### IECMH Series: Neuro-relational Development Details [IECMH Series: Neuro-relational Development](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/virtual-event/iecmh-series-neuro-relational-development/)  ### Brain Wonders: Nurturing Healthy Brain Development From Birth Learn what you can do in everyday moments to help your baby develop healthy brain connections. Details [Brain Wonders: Nurturing Healthy Brain Development From Birth](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/brain-wonders-nurturing-healthy-brain-development-from-birth/) Previous Next ## Executive functioning in the developing brain #### Making friends. Showing anger in a healthy way. Figuring out conflicts peacefully.  Learn what you can do to support positive interactions and executive functioning in children from birth to age 3. Check out our brain development stages by age resources below:  ### 24-36 Months: Social-Emotional Development As two-year-olds, children really begin to play interactively with their peers. Learn more about toddler social-emotional development. Details [24-36 Months: Social-Emotional Development](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/24-36-months-social-emotional-development/)  ### 12-24 Months: Social-Emotional Development Between 12-24 months, social-emotional development progresses. Toddlers develop self-awareness and a sense of being independent from others. Details [12-24 Months: Social-Emotional Development](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/12-24-months-social-emotional-development/)  ### Birth to 12 Months: Social-Emotional Development Starting from birth, babies are learning who they are by how they are treated. Learn more about babies' social and emotional development. Details [Birth to 12 Months: Social-Emotional Development](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/birth-to-12-months-social-emotional-development/) Previous Next ## Supporting early brain development through everyday moments #### These resources provide helpful strategies for supporting young children’s cognitive development milestones and future learning through early experiences and everyday moments.  ### Supporting Brain Development in the First Three Years Learn how the brains of infants and toddlers grow and how you can support their brain development through everyday interactions. Details [Supporting Brain Development in the First Three Years](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/supporting-brain-development-first-three-years/)  Distillation ### Buzzwords Explained: Play-Based Learning Playful exploration is a natural way of learning. Explore how caregivers and professionals can encourage and promote play-based learning. Details [Buzzwords Explained: Play-Based Learning](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/buzzwords-explained-play-based-learning/)  ### The Daddy Factor: How Fathers Support Development Learn about fatherhood and the unique and powerful role fathers play in the development of their children. Details [The Daddy Factor: How Fathers Support Development](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/the-daddy-factor-how-fathers-support-development/)  ### Before Birth: Prenatal Development for Baby, Mom and Dad Details [Before Birth: Prenatal Development for Baby, Mom and Dad](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/before-birth-prenatal-development-for-baby-mom-and-dad/)  ### Driven to Discover: How Thinking Skills Develop Through Everyday Play and Exploration Details [Driven to Discover: How Thinking Skills Develop Through Everyday Play and Exploration](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/driven-to-discover-how-thinking-skills-develop-through-everyday-play-and-exploration/)  ### Development From 24 to 36 Months Old: New Skills Develop Through Play, Routines, and Relationships Learn how to encourage your child's increasing independence and endless imagination through play, routine, and relationships. Details [Development From 24 to 36 Months Old: New Skills Develop Through Play, Routines, and Relationships](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/development-from-24-to-36-months-old-new-skills-develop-through-play-routines-and-relationships/)  ### From Cries to Conversations: The Development of Communication Skills from Birth to 3 Watch how parents and caregivers can support the development of communication skills from birth to 3 years. Details [From Cries to Conversations: The Development of Communication Skills from Birth to 3](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/from-cries-to-conversations-the-development-of-communication-skills-from-birth-to-3/)  ### Busy Bodies: How the Development of Physical Skills Supports Learning Watch how the development of a baby's physical skills supports early learning. Details [Busy Bodies: How the Development of Physical Skills Supports Learning](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/busy-bodies-how-the-development-of-physical-skills-supports-learning/)  ### Development From 12 to 24 Months Old: Strong, Positive Connections and Interactions Fuel Learning Details [Development From 12 to 24 Months Old: Strong, Positive Connections and Interactions Fuel Learning](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/development-from-12-to-24-months-old-strong-positive-connections-and-interactions-fuel-learning/)  ### Development From Birth to 12 Months Old: Forming a Trusting Bond to Nurture Learning Watch how to nurture your baby from birth to 12 months, teaching them how to feel safe and secure in the world while encouraging developmentally appropriate growth. Details [Development From Birth to 12 Months Old: Forming a Trusting Bond to Nurture Learning](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/development-from-birth-to-12-months-old-forming-a-trusting-bond-to-nurture-learning/)  ### Power of Play: Building Skills and Having Fun Learn how to nurture your baby's development through the power of play. Details [Power of Play: Building Skills and Having Fun](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/power-of-play-building-skills-and-having-fun/)  ### Brain Wonders: Nurturing Healthy Brain Development From Birth Learn what you can do in everyday moments to help your baby develop healthy brain connections. Details [Brain Wonders: Nurturing Healthy Brain Development From Birth](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/brain-wonders-nurturing-healthy-brain-development-from-birth/)  ### Literacy Skills: The Roots of Reading Start at Birth Details [Literacy Skills: The Roots of Reading Start at Birth](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/literacy-skills-the-roots-of-reading-start-at-birth/)  ### From Feelings to Friendships: Nurturing Healthy Social-Emotional Development in the Early Years Learn how to support your child's relationship-building skills. Details [From Feelings to Friendships: Nurturing Healthy Social-Emotional Development in the Early Years](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/from-feelings-to-friendships-nurturing-healthy-social-emotional-development-in-the-early-years/)  ### Tantrums, Defiance, Aggression – Oh My! Details [Tantrums, Defiance, Aggression – Oh My!](https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/tantrums-defiance-aggression-oh-my/) Previous Next ## Want to learn more about early brain development? ### We have trainings for that. Brain Facts with Katrina: Vol 1 - YouTube [Photo image of ZERO TO THREE](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbVnfbuhpDdLt7K6y-Cqq1w?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerotothree.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerotothree.org) ZERO TO THREE 4.8K subscribers [Brain Facts with Katrina: Vol 1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcLJ0unDH5g) ZERO TO THREE Search Watch later Share Copy link Info Shopping Tap to unmute If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. More videos ## More videos You're signed out Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. CancelConfirm Share Include playlist An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later. [Why am I seeing this?](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9004474?hl=en) [Watch on](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcLJ0unDH5g&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerotothree.org%2F&embeds_referring_origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerotothree.org) 0:00 0:00 / 0:38 •Live • ##### The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old curriculum, let by Katrina Macasaet, helps early childhood professionals explore the science of brain development. 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