Infant Brain Development and Windows of Opportunity

By Amy Kallaher, Program Coordinator, Parents As Teachers, Four Oaks

Have you ever stopped in front of a window and looked outside before? Many thoughts may go through your mind. Have those thoughts ever been about children, future generations, perhaps even brain development? If you just thought “yes,” then let me give you more food for thought and share something called Windows of Opportunity.

There are many Windows of Opportunities in the world, but one is clear to researchers today. It involves children aged birth to three years. Vision, hearing, language, movement, and emotion, each area in a child’s brain responsible for different abilities, have a “sensitive” period for development. During these prime times, a child’s brain is most ready to learn new skills. These critical periods are Windows of Opportunity.

Vision – Critical period for development of normal vision is birth to approximately two years of age. The vision window is the earliest to open (at birth) and the first to close (by age one).

Hearing/Language – A baby starts out hearing sounds of all languages. This window may close as early as five or six years, but adding new words never closes. By three, children learn two-thirds of the words they will use in conversations as adults.

Movement – The window for developing motor skills lasts only a few years. Babies gain control over their large muscles first before the small muscles in their hands and fingers. Therefore, it is important not to confine a child (in a playpen or bouncy seat) for long time periods. Children need to progress along with their brain as they learn to roll, sit, crawl, pull up, walk, and run.

Emotions – This window opens at various times in a child’s development starting from day one, and it stays open longer. The window contains problem-solving skills, math, logic, and music.

A baby is born with billions of brain cells! By six months, their brains are one-half the size of an adult and 80% of adult size by age three. We can promote healthy brain development by ensuring babies have stimulating, responsive, and non-stressful environments. They can’t vote or spend money, but babies are important. It all starts here. The next time you stop in front of a window, promise to spend part of your personal and professional time and effort to reach out to a child.