The Case for the Early Years
The Case for the Early Years
The brain is busier during the first three years of life than any other period, creating the foundation for future learning capacity, social emotional development, and mental and physical health. Nurturing environments and responsive interactions in those earliest years have the power to transform a child’s lifetime trajectory, entire families and whole communities.
What is the Early Years Initiative?
What is the Early Years Initiative?
To make the most of these important early years, organizations from around the state — with generous support from Lilly Endowment Inc. — are ensuring that infants and toddlers develop foundational knowledge and skills that support their future learning and development. From creating everyday moments that foster nurturing relationships to re-envisioning systems that better leverage community resources, the work of these organizations is building better opportunities for our youngest Hoosiers.
The Early Years Initiative by the Numbers
The Early Years Initiative by the Numbers
Partners Engaged in the Early Years Initiative
Partners Engaged in the Early Years Initiative
Explore the map below to learn more about the work happening in your community.
Explore the Work
Explore the Work
Parenting Prep and Support
Strengthening families through home visiting and parent education programs.
Early Detection and Intervention
Supporting the early detection of developmental needs or disabilities and implementing responsive interventions.
Early Language and Literacy
Promoting essential skills through early language strategies.
Research is clear that a child’s brain develops most between birth and age 3, and that the neural pathways formed in these earliest years of life form the basis for all future learning and development. That’s why the work of the Early Years Initiative is so critical. We must ensure supportive environments and responsive interactions between infants and toddlers and their caregivers to set the trajectory for their overall development and lifelong learning.
