Did you know that early childhood experiences and environments have an impact on all body systems, not just the brain? Early experiences affect lifelong health as well as early learning and school readiness.

This animated video, narrated by Center on the Developing Child Director Jack P. Shonkoff, outlines what the latest science tells us. It is a quick introduction to the effects of childhood adversities on the developing brain and many other systems in the body. The negative experiences include poverty, discrimination, systemic racism, exposure to violence, and child maltreatment, abuse, and neglect.

To learn more, read:

• 5 Facts About Health That Are Often Misunderstood
• Connecting the Brain to the Rest of the Body: Early Childhood Development and Lifelong Health Are Deeply Intertwined
• Effects of positive and negative childhood experiences on adult family health
• Health and Learning Are Deeply Interconnected in the Body: A Guide for Policymakers
• InBrief: Connecting the Brain to the Rest of the Body

Family literacy programs contribute to positive early childhood experiences. They support parents and caregivers in learning about early childhood development. The benefits for children and adults can be long term.