Key Concepts in the Science of Early Childhood Development

A series of short videos, briefs, and working papers from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University and the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child shows how advances in neuroscience and biology offer a way of understanding of how early experiences are built into our bodies and brains, for better or for worse.

Brain Story Certification

The Alberta Family Wellness Initiative has developed two online courses to make Brain Story science available to professionals and the public. One course is available now. The second, more basic course will be available in 2017. Free and open to everyone.

Core Story of Brain Development Toolkit

The Palix Foundation, through the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative has developed a series of video’s and teaching tools that presents the core story of brain development in an accessible and visually engaging format for public audiences. 

The Brain Story is about how brains are built during the early years of life. It is fundamental to our understanding of why some people succeed and others struggle with both physical and mental health problems, including addiction. All teachers, early childhood educators, politicians, family support workers, parents, neighbours, in short: everybody, should know something about brain development.

Community Resources

These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the University of Southern California (USC) of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. USC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

The Intergenerational Mobility Project

A metric-based, mentor-led, incentivized intervention expands on a proven adult-focused coaching model in a comprehensive approach that supports individual family members as they identify their unique goals and aligns the whole family around a shared set of outcomes. A collaborative effort between the Center on the Developing Child and EMPath.

WORKING FOR KIDS: BUILDING SKILLS™

A novel community-based program that takes an intergenerational approach to putting children on a positive trajectory for success in school and in life.

The Raising of America

The acclaimed five-part documentary series and companion tools illustrate how a strong start for all our kids can lead to better individual outcomes and a healthier, safer, more prosperous and equitable America.

From 10 to 25: A Storytelling Game About Adolescence

What happens from ages 10 to 25? Find out as you take on the role of a young person, explore new parts of life, encounter challenges, and get the support you need. A storytelling card game that builds understanding of what adolescence is and what young people need to thrive. The game helps players appreciate the discoveries that we make as young people when we have access to supportive resources and relationships. Created by the FrameWorks Institute and the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent.

First Pathways Game

An online platform for parent-child playtime activities that promote healthy brain development! First Pathways is the branch of Working For Kids: Building Skills that focuses on developing educational games and software that provide activities to help parents and children build strong brain pathways in the first years of life.