Brain Development and Public Policy

As fascinating and enriching as brain research is to individual parents and practitioners, the real power in understanding early brain development lies in applying this new knowledge to change the current systems of care and community practices that affect all young children and their families. New research findings about brain development must be used to help improve physical, emotional, educational and social outcomes for our children.

This section begins to define and catalog policy implications of the widely available information about early brain development. Some policy issues are specific to changes in Georgia; others may be applicable in other states or at the national level as well.

Definition of Policy

In this section, policy is defined broadly as decisions and actions of elected officials, governmental agencies, courts, regulatory bodies, or voters that affect public and private services and service delivery systems. Examples of policies that affect young children include laws, budgets, regulations, judicial decisions, agency practices and executive orders.

Policy Resources

The following links have public policy and advocacy information for issues affecting infants, toddlers and their families. This section will always be a work in progress as parents, trainers, workshop participants and experts from around the state contribute new ideas to this listing. Feel free to share these policy resources with decision-makers. If you would like to recommend a policy-related site for this list, please contact us.

Resources from Voices for Georgia’s Children

• Childhood Trauma; Defining, Preventing, and Mitigating Adverse Consequences
• Barriers to Healthcare for Georgia’s Children
• Expanding Access to Fresh, Local Produce for Early Head Start and Head Start Families Through WIC Farmers’ Markets
  
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Head Start Programs and Families: Recommendations for Health Care Providers and Policymakers

For more information, visit the Voices for Georgia’s Children website.

Resources from the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS)

• What Policy Makers in Georgia Need to Know About Infant-Toddler Social-Emotional Health
• Advocacy Guide: How to Speak Up for Georgia’s Infants & Toddlers
• Advancing Opportunity: Parents’ Solution to Georgia’s Child Care Challenges
• A Framework for School Readiness in Georgia
• Georgia’s Early Care and Education Landscape
  
• Early & Effective Diagnosis and Treatment – DC:0-5 is Key for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Services
  
• Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS): Helping Working Georgians Afford Child Care
  
• Early Childhood Resources to Share With Policy Makers

For more information, visit the GEEARS website.