South African and international research shows that the first few years of children’s lives are critical for development. The early years of children’s lives are the period when they acquire concepts, skills and attitudes that lay the foundation for lifelong learning. This is the time when children’s brain development is at its peak…

Research also shows that from the time before birth until a child enters primary school, development advances at a pace greater than at any other stage in life. During this period, children develop linguistic and cognitive skills and begin to exhibit emotional, social and moral capabilities.

Source: The Cape Argus
http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=498&fArticleId=3346073