3 semester credits

Research on how the brain develops in utero and throughout early childhood provides insights and guidance critical to young children's healthy development. As brains develop, early experiences affect brain architecture in ways that promote or impede healthy relationships, self-concepts, growth, and learning. Early childhood professionals, as leaders and advocates in the field, study current, fascinating research on brain architecture, child mental health, and the ways toxic stress, trauma, and resilience influence child development across domains.