We know that adult-child relationships, other early experiences, and environmental
exposures influence child well-being. An increasing number of policies and programs around
the world now reflect that understanding by supporting children’s early learning and nutrition
to improve their readiness to succeed in school. As scientific knowledge continues to grow,
we also know more clearly than ever how the conditions and environments in which children
develop affect lifelong health as well as educational achievement.
Three key messages from this science can help guide our thinking in a time when innovation
has never been more needed in public systems in order to improve both health and learning.