The members of the Early Beginnings Literacy Coalition (EBLC) respond with an emphatic YES! Yes, we know that the earlier children experience protective factors, the more resilient they will become. Yes, young children living in poverty can experience normal development and arrive at kindergarten ready for success. Yes, our community does believe in young children enough to assure that each and every one is given the support they need to overcome risk factors.

Building resilience while children are in the first five years of life is so important because this is the time when their brains construct the foundation for all future growth and learning. Adults can increase young children’s ability to bounce back from challenges by investing time each day talking, reading, playing and giving positive attention. Resiliency is created through discipline methods that help young children learn what is expected rather than harsh punishment for misbehavior…

Source: Battle Creek Enquirer
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