Article written by Ms. Thais Grinberg, on February 2025. 

What happens in the first years of a child’s life goes far beyond learning words or taking first steps. These early experiences are essential for cognitive, emotional, and social development and can determine the trajectory of a person’s entire life. According to specialist Fernanda Cristina Garcia Salgado de Almeida, who has more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education, what children experience during these initial years can make all the difference in their future learning and social interaction. For Almeida, early and appropriate intervention during this stage is not just recommended — it is essential.

When we talk about child development, we are referring to a crucial period from birth to six years old, known as early childhood. This phase is marked by intense brain development, with neural connections being formed at an astonishing rate. It is precisely during this period that the experiences lived by the child shape how they will learn, how they will handle their emotions, and how they will interact with the world around them. According to Almeida, the young brain is extremely plastic, meaning that with proper stimulation, a child has a tremendous capacity to learn and overcome challenges that may arise throughout life.

Among the most important milestones in this process are language acquisition, motor development, and early social interactions. These are the pillars that support all future learning. “The way a child communicates, expresses themselves, and relates to others from an early age directly reflects their ability to learn and to integrate into the world,” explains Almeida, who is also the principal of EMEI Renascença in Belo Horizonte. She further adds that by integrating play into the learning process, children can develop essential future skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation.

The specialist points out that, conversely, adversity during this period — such as neglect or lack of adequate stimulation — can hinder a child’s cognitive and social development. “Children who do not have access to a stimulating environment or who face adverse situations tend to have greater difficulty learning and socializing, and this can have lifelong consequences,” she warns. For Almeida, this is where early intervention becomes fundamental. She highlights that with the help of effective educational programs, it is possible to redirect developmental trajectories and provide children with the foundation for successful learning.

According to Almeida, the educator’s role is another key factor. With extensive experience in both public and private schools, she notes that educators need to be prepared to identify developmental signals in children and act in ways that enhance their strengths. The specialist emphasizes that now more than ever, schools should adopt pedagogical practices that involve families and the school community, creating a learning environment that is enriching and stimulating. “The school should be a place of care and learning for all, where children not only absorb knowledge but also develop their emotional and social skills,” she states.

Almeida also stresses the importance of public policies focused on early childhood, as these early years can be decisive in reducing social inequalities. She notes that by providing access to quality education from an early age, it is possible to reduce disparities in opportunities among children, ensuring that all have the same potential for development and growth. “Investing in early childhood is not just a matter of social justice — it’s a necessity for the future of society as a whole,” she asserts.

The environment in which a child grows, the support they receive, and the learning opportunities they are given are all factors that profoundly influence their academic and social performance. Studies show that children who receive appropriate support from an early age are more likely to excel academically and to integrate more successfully into the workforce in the future. Additionally, they tend to be more resilient and better equipped to deal with life’s challenges.

Finally, Fernanda Almeida advocates that society as a whole must take early childhood development more seriously and invest in the first years of life, which are the most critical. “The beginning of a child’s life is not just a passing phase — it’s the foundation for all future learning. The more we invest in these early years, the more confident we can be in their future,” she concludes.

In the coming years, it will be essential for society, educators, and public policies to be aligned to ensure that all children have the necessary conditions to grow in a stimulating, healthy, and safe environment. After all, it is during this period that the foundation is laid for a successful future — academically, socially, and emotionally.