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The Best Start in Life

Early Childhood Development for Sustainable Development

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Based on 30 ratings
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Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Jack Shonkoff, Aisha Yousafzai, and Catherine Tamis-LeMonda

What does a successful early childhood care program look like? How has a child’s brain developed at the age of 3? How does nutrition impact the future well-being of a child into adulthood?

Learn the answers to these questions and more in "The Best Start in Life: Early Childhood Development for Sustainable Development". With leading experts in the field – hailing from Harvard University, New York University and UNICEF, among other institutions – we’ll explore how neuroscience, sociology, anthropology and other studies have influenced our understanding of early childhood development.

This course is for:

Read more

What does a successful early childhood care program look like? How has a child’s brain developed at the age of 3? How does nutrition impact the future well-being of a child into adulthood?

Learn the answers to these questions and more in "The Best Start in Life: Early Childhood Development for Sustainable Development". With leading experts in the field – hailing from Harvard University, New York University and UNICEF, among other institutions – we’ll explore how neuroscience, sociology, anthropology and other studies have influenced our understanding of early childhood development.

This course is for:

  • Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students in international development, teaching, nursing and medicine, and other fields who are interested in the key concepts and practices in early childhood development
  • Teachers, healthcare professionals and other practitioners interested in the societal and biological factors impacting the children they support
  • Sustainable development practitioners who want to understand the lifecycle of needs and support necessary to help children globally, including those who work for international aid organizations and nonprofits in the realms of poverty, nutrition and education
Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • All about the brain: how neurological makeup affects children’s development
  • The intersection of childcare, education and other programming with policies at the national level and beyond
  • Case studies: how factors such as forced migration impact a child’s future

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduction
Early Childhood Development for Sustainable Development
The State of the World's Children
How Brain Architecture Develops
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the role of neuroscience, sociology, and other studies in understanding early childhood development
Taught by renowned experts in the field from Harvard University, New York University, and UNICEF
Covers the latest research and best practices in early childhood care and development
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from prenatal development to early childhood
Designed for a wide range of professionals and individuals interested in early childhood development
Requires extensive background knowledge in early childhood development

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Essential ecd for sustainable development

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and well-structured exploration of early childhood development, particularly in the context of sustainable global initiatives. Students frequently highlight the expertise of the instructors, many from leading institutions, who deliver engaging lectures and present complex topics clearly. The content is considered highly relevant for professionals and students in fields like international development, education, and healthcare, providing both foundational neuroscience and practical insights through real-world case studies. While generally overwhelmingly positive, a few comments suggest specific areas could benefit from deeper dives, though this is a minor point.
Offers valuable practical tools and real-world case studies for application.
"The case studies, especially on conflict and migration, provided vital context and a practical understanding of challenges."
"I gained actionable insights into how policies impact children globally, which is directly applicable to my work."
"The focus on different ECD programs and sectors gave me a clear idea of how theory translates into practice."
"I found learning about innovations and growth strategies in ECD from around the world to be very inspiring and practical."
Features engaging lectures from highly qualified and knowledgeable experts.
"The lecturers are truly experts in their fields; their insights made complex topics easy to grasp."
"I really enjoyed the engaging delivery and the way the instructors brought real-world experience into the discussions."
"The quality of the teaching is outstanding, making the learning experience very rewarding."
"I especially appreciated the diverse perspectives from experts at Harvard, NYU, and UNICEF."
Provides a broad and highly relevant overview of early childhood development.
"This course beautifully covers ECD from multiple angles, from brain development to policy; it's incredibly comprehensive."
"The content is highly relevant for my work in international aid; I appreciate the focus on sustainable development."
"I found the modules well-organized, offering a thorough understanding of child development across different ages and contexts."
"I learned so much about the societal and biological factors impacting children, truly a complete picture."
Offers an excellent overview, but some advanced learners may seek more depth.
"While comprehensive, I sometimes wished for a deeper dive into specific neuroscientific mechanisms beyond the overview."
"For someone already practicing in the field, parts of the course felt like a review, though a good one for solidifying basics."
"I found it a great introduction, but perhaps not exhaustive enough for very specialized research needs in specific areas."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Best Start in Life: Early Childhood Development for Sustainable Development with these activities:
Volunteer at a Local Preschool
By volunteering in a preschool setting you can interact directly with professionals and children to have a better understanding of those you are learning about in this course.
Browse courses on Development
Show steps
Review Statistics
Statistics are taught in Module 1, this pre-course review will help increase your understanding and support your ability to complete this module.
Show steps
  • Review your notes from a previous statistics course.
  • Take a practice quiz on statistics.
  • Watch a video tutorial on statistics.
Review Child Development
Review key concepts in child development to refresh your memory and be better prepared for the material explored in this course.
Show steps
  • Review your notes from a previous child development course.
  • Read a chapter from a child development textbook.
  • Watch a video lecture on child development.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read: Early Childhood Development: A Global Perspective
This book will provide you with a comprehensive overview of early childhood development from a global perspective. It will help you understand the importance of ECD and the challenges that children face in different parts of the world.
View Cradle to Kindergarten: A New Plan to Combat... on Amazon
Show steps
Create a Blog Post on the Importance of ECD
Write a blog post discussing the importance of early childhood development and sharing your insights from the course.
Browse courses on Development
Show steps
  • Research the importance of ECD.
  • Write a blog post about your findings.
  • Share your blog post with others.
ECD Resources for Practitioners
Compile a list of resources for practitioners working in the field of ECD, including articles, books, websites, and organizations.
Browse courses on Resources
Show steps
  • Search for resources on ECD.
  • Create a list of the resources that you find.
  • Organize the list by topic.
  • Write a brief description of each resource.
  • Share the list with other practitioners.
Case Study: Malnourished Child in Uganda
Research and summarize the circumstances and care protocol for a child suffering from malnutrition in Uganda. This will help you understand the challenges and solutions for treating malnutrition in a developing country.
Browse courses on Forced Migration
Show steps
  • Research the causes and effects of malnutrition in Uganda.
  • Read the case study on the malnourished child in Uganda.
  • Identify the factors that contributed to the child's malnutrition.
  • Describe the care protocol that was used for the child.
  • Summarize your findings and write a report on the case study.
Design an ECD Program for a Refugee Camp
Research and design an ECD program for a refugee camp, taking into account the unique needs of the children in this setting.
Browse courses on Adversity
Show steps
  • Research the needs of children in refugee camps.
  • Identify the resources that are available.
  • Design a program that meets the needs of the children.
  • Write a proposal for the program.
  • Implement the program.

Career center

Learners who complete The Best Start in Life: Early Childhood Development for Sustainable Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Developmental Researcher
This course is essential for Developmental Researchers. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field of child development, from the latest research on brain development to best practices in early intervention. You will learn about the different methods used to study child development, how to design and conduct research studies, and how to disseminate research findings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Developmental Researcher
Pediatrician
This course is perfect for Pediatricians. It provides a comprehensive overview of child development from a medical perspective. You will learn about the physical, cognitive, and emotional development of children from birth to adolescence. This knowledge will be invaluable in your work with children and their families.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pediatrician
Early Childhood Educator
This course is a perfect fit for Early Childhood Educators. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from the latest research on child development to best practices in early education. You will learn about the different types of early childhood programs, how to create a developmentally appropriate curriculum, and how to assess children's progress.
See salaries and explore the career path for Early Childhood Educator
Educational Psychologist
This course is a great fit for Educational Psychologists. It provides a comprehensive overview of child development, with a focus on the cognitive and emotional development of children. You will learn about the different factors that can impact a child's development, how to assess children's needs, and how to develop and implement interventions to support children's learning and development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Psychologist
Professor
This course is a great fit for Professors who teach in the field of early childhood development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from the latest research on brain development to best practices in early intervention. You will learn about the different theories of child development, how to develop and deliver effective instruction, and how to assess student learning.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor
Child Psychologist
Child Psychologists will find this course helpful as it provides a solid foundation in child development, with a focus on the emotional and behavioral development of children. You will learn about the different stages of emotional development, how to assess children's mental health, and how to develop and implement interventions to help children with emotional and behavioral problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Child Psychologist
Program Manager
This course is a good fit for Program Managers who work in the field of early childhood development. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from the latest research on brain development to best practices in early intervention. You will learn about the different types of early childhood programs, how to develop and implement effective programs, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager
Executive Director
Executive Directors of organizations that work in the field of early childhood development may find this course helpful. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from the latest research on brain development to best practices in early intervention. You will learn about the different types of early childhood programs, how to develop and implement effective programs, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Director
Occupational Therapist
This course is helpful for Occupational Therapists. It provides a solid foundation in child development that is essential for working with children with disabilities. You will learn about the different areas of development that can be impacted by disabilities, how to assess children's needs, and how to develop and implement interventions to help children reach their full potential.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
Childcare Worker
This course will be helpful for Childcare Workers. It covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of caring for children from birth to age 8. You will learn about the developmental stages of children, how to create a safe and nurturing environment, and how to support children's learning and development.
See salaries and explore the career path for Childcare Worker
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists may find this course useful as it provides a good overview of child development, with a focus on language and communication. You will learn about the different stages of language development, how to assess children's language skills, and how to develop and implement interventions to help children with speech and language disorders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist
Policy Analyst
This course may be useful for Policy Analysts who work on issues related to child development. It provides a good overview of the field, from the latest research on brain development to best practices in early intervention. You will learn about the different factors that can impact a child's development, how to develop and implement policies to support children and families, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Social Worker
Those interested in becoming Social Workers may find this course helpful. It provides a good foundation in child development that may be useful in working with children and families. You will learn about the different factors that can impact a child's development, how to assess risk factors, and how to develop and implement interventions to support children and families.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Nurse
The course may be of use to Nurses as it provides important information about child development that can be helpful when working with children and their families. You will learn about the different stages of child development, how to assess children's health and development, and how to provide support and guidance to parents.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
This course may be helpful for Elementary School Teachers. While it focuses on early childhood development, some of the material may be relevant to your work with older children. You will learn about the different stages of child development, how to create a supportive learning environment, and how to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
See salaries and explore the career path for Elementary School Teacher

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Best Start in Life: Early Childhood Development for Sustainable Development.
Cover image
Infants, Children, and Adolescents
Save
A comprehensive overview of child development from conception to adolescence, providing a foundation to understand the course material on early childhood development.
Infants, Children, and Adolescents
Paperback
$$$$
Infants, Children, and Adolescents (7th Edition)
Hardcover
$$$
Infants, Children, and Adolescents (6th Edition)
Hardcover
$$
Infants, Children, and Adolescents by Laura E. Berk...
Hardcover
$$$$
Infants, Children, and Adolescents (8th Edition)...
Hardcover
$$$$
Infants, Children, and Adolescents and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Infants, Children, and Adolescents - Instructor's...
Paperback
$
Infants, Children, and Adolescents
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
The Wiley Handbook of Early Childhood Development...
Save
A comprehensive handbook that provides a detailed overview of research in early childhood development, serving as a valuable reference for students and practitioners.
The Wiley Handbook of Early Childhood Development...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Development of Perception in Infancy
Save
A specialized book that focuses on infancy, providing in-depth knowledge on the early stages of child development most relevant to the course.
The Cradle of Knowledge: Development of Perception...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
10 Steps to Develop Great Learners
Save
Explores the brain science behind early childhood development and provides practical tips for nurturing a child's brain development.
10 Steps to Develop Great Learners: Visible...
Paperback
$$
10 Steps to Develop Great Learners: Visible...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: CHIL DHOOD and ADOLESCENCE
Save
A comprehensive textbook providing a detailed overview of childhood and adolescent development, serving as a valuable reference for students in the course.
Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence
Paperback
$$$
The Developing Child
Save
A popular textbook that provides a balanced overview of child development theories and research, serving as a useful reference for students.
The Developing Child
Paperback
Check
The Developing Child
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Born Anxious
Save
Provides insights into brain-based parenting strategies, ergänzend to the course's exploration of the neurobiological aspects of child development.
Born Anxious: The Lifelong Impact of Early Life...
Hardcover
$$
Born Anxious: The Lifelong Impact of Early Life...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Power of Play
Save
Emphasizes the importance of play in child development, providing insights that complement the course's focus on early childhood education and social development.
The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally
Paperback
$$
The Power of Play: How Spontaneous, Imaginative...
Hardcover
$$
The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
In Love with the World
Save
While not directly related to early childhood development, this book offers a unique perspective on mindfulness and well-being, which can enrich the course's discussions on resilience and emotional development.
In Love with the World: A Monk's Journey Through...
Paperback
$$
In Love with the World: What a Buddhist Monk Can...
Audible Audiobook
$
In Love with the World: A Monk's Journey Through...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
SDG Academy
Instructors
Hirokazu Yoshikawa
Jack Shonkoff
Aisha Yousafzai
Catherine Tamis-LeMonda
Language
English
Transcripts
English Español Português العربية हिंदी Pусский বাংলা
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the role of neuroscience, sociology, and other studies in understanding early childhood development
Taught by renowned experts in the field from Harvard University, New York University, and UNICEF
Covers the latest research and best practices in early childhood care and development
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field, from prenatal development to early childhood
Designed for a wide range of professionals and individuals interested in early childhood development
Requires extensive background knowledge in early childhood development
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