What lies ahead for Florida? The clearest way to envision what the future holds is to take a look at the babies. State Baby Facts: A Look at Infants, Toddlers and Their Families, a new publication from Zero to Three, provides a snapshot of what it is currently like to be a very young child in Florida and the important resources that can change the future life course for the many children who are not getting off to the best start. The fact sheet reminds us that a baby’s early experiences shape the brain’s architecture into a strong—or fragile—foundation for learning, health, and success in the workplace. Adverse early experiences, such as poverty, can weaken babies’ brain development and follow them their entire lives. All babies in Florida, and across the United States, need good health, strong families, and positive early learning experiences to foster healthy brain development and realize their full potential.
By carol