Early Childhood Development

EdIntersect brings a depth of experience across various contexts in early childhood development programming and research.  The period of life from birth to age 8 is generally defined as early childhood. The emotional, social, and physical development of children during this period has a direct effect on who they become as an adult. The early years of life play a disproportionately large role in brain development. Early interactions and bonds with parents and caregivers not only create children’s earliest learning experiences, but also set their sense of security and stability in their surroundings and in their relationships. Investment in the early childhood years is in essence the best choice societies can make in ensuring the future success of individuals, families, and institutions.  Nevertheless, universal access to quality early childhood programs has not been assured by donors as of yet although there is increasing commitment to investing more resources for the early years. EdIntersect’s work in the early grades of primary school targets children on the upper end of early childhood, from around age 6 to age 8 in Grades 1 and 2. EdIntersect President Dr. MaryFaith Mount-Cors has done early childhood research with the University of North Carolina Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute on quality in early childhood programs globally, with field work on the community model in use in Zambia.