Transforming the Workforce

Children’s development is rapid and cumulative from birth through age 8, when the environments, supports, and relationships they experience have profound effects. Their health, development, and early learning provide a foundation on which later learning—and lifelong progress—is constructed. Children experience important influences from many adults during this time period, including their parents or other primary caregivers, other family members, community members, and the professionals who provide for their care and education, health, and security. An Institute of Medicine and National Research Council study explored the science of child development for its implications for the care and education professionals who work with children from birth through age 8. This entry summarizes the major findings of the resulting report, Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age ...