Early Childhood Experiences and Health: Laying the Foundation for Health Across a Lifetime

Publication Date: June 2008

Publisher: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; RWJF Commission to Build a Healthier America

Author(s): Susan. Egerter; Tabashir. Sadegh-Nobari; Paula. Braveman

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Social and economic factors such as income, education and neighborhood resources, affect health at every stage of life, but the effects on young children are particularly dramatic. The earliest years of our lives are crucial in many ways; these years set us on paths leading toward—or away from—good health.

This issue brief produced for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission to Build a Healthier America examines how social and economic conditions shape children's health. According to the brief, there is strong evidence that social disadvantages experienced in childhood can limit children's opportunities for health throughout life. Several of the most well known and well evaluated early childhood development programs are outlined in the brief. The authors provide an assessment of the program components that provide the most promising solutions.