The Effect of Early Environment on Kids' Brains

Coburn Dukehart/Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

In a major article discussing research coming out of UW-Madison, evidence mounts that childhood poverty can affect brain development and the ability to succeed. In most cases, this isn't news to library staffers who work with preschoolers and their families and caregivers. However the scope of the study and the widespread dissemination of the information to WI residents isof major importance.

This thoughtful article by Abigail Becker, an intern for the WI Center for Investigative Journalism at the time of the writing, is a must read for all citizens of our state. Please share with your administration, funders and partners in your community.

Early Intervention and other Developmental Milestones Resources

     As youth librarians and early literacy advocates, we are experts in early literacy skills development and subsequently know quite a bit about how a young child’s brain develops. For some of our parents, however, that can translate into us being experts about all-things parenting related.
     It’s easy to want to try and answer their questions, but we know we can’t be all things to all patrons. So here’s where we do what librarians do best: connect them with resources that CAN answer their questions.  The Storytime Underground has compiled some resources that might be useful!  Check out the list HERE.