In quotes: the science of human variation and the implications for early childhood programs

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— HarvardCenter (@HarvardCenter) June 18, 2024

“Providers of services for young children are also fully aware that not everyone benefits equally from the same programs.”

“To understand why programs and policies designed to benefit all children have such variable effects, we must understand why the same experiences affect children differently.”

“Children’s development varies based on the interactive influences of genes, experiences, and timing: the unique and complex genetic profiles they inherit (e.g., differences in temperament), the ongoing effects of accumulated
experiences and exposures, and whether certain life-shaping influences occur during particularly sensitive periods of development.”

“…three compelling lessons stand out for change agents who are working to create early childhood policies and programs that can achieve greater impacts for more children.

“1) Address universal needs butplan for and support flexibilityto address variation.

“2) Develop service models that canbe tailored to fit a manageable rangeof alternative profiles.

“3) Support programs that engagein continuous quality improvement,focusing on both increasing averageeffects and addressing variation ineffectiveness.”

— “A World of Differences: The Science of Human VariationCan Drive Early Childhood Policies,” National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, Harvard Center on the Developing Child, May 2024