The first 6–8 years of a child’s life, known as the early childhood stage, are globally acknowledged to be the most critical years for lifelong development, since the pace of development during these years is extremely rapid. Recent research in the field of neuroscience,particularly on the brain, has provided very convincing evidence of the ‘critical periods’ located within these early years, particularly the first three years, for the formation of synaptic connections in the brain and for the full development of the brain’s potential.1 Research has also indicated that if these early years are not supported by, or embedded in, a stimulating and enriching physical and psychosocial environment, the chances of the child’s brain developing to its full
potential are considerably, and often irreversibly, reduced.