Research shows that starting from birth, we can dramatically improve our children’s early brain development and ability to learn by meeting these ten essential needs:

INTERACTION, TOUCH, STABLE RELATIONSHIPS, SAFE & HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS, SELF-ESTEEM, QUALITY CARE, PLAY, COMMUNICATION, MUSIC, and READING.

First 5 Placer focuses on brain development of children 0-5 years of age, the years with greatest and most sensitive development. The First 5 - Placer Children and Families Commission strives to create an environment that supports our children and their families in reaching their full potential.

Research in brain development clearly indicates that the emotional, physical and intellectual environment that a child is exposed to in the early years of life has a profound impact on how the brain is organized. The experiences a child has with respect to parents and caregivers significantly influences how a child will function in school and later in life. Here is some information on early childhood development needs that are the basis for the Children and Families Initiative:

At birth, the brain is remarkably unfinished. The parts of the brain that handle thinking and remembering as well as emotional and social behavior are very underdeveloped.

In the early years, a child develops basic brain and physiological structures upon which later growth and learning are dependent.

The brain operates on a "use it or lose it" principle. Emotionally and socially as well, the child develops many of the abilities upon which later social functioning is based.

The brain matures in the world, rather than in the womb; thus young children are deeply affected by their experiences.

Their relationships with parents and other important caregivers; the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings they encounter; and the challenges they meet, affect the way a child's brain develops.

The early years of a child's life form the foundation for later development. Attention to young children is a powerful means of preventing later difficulties such as developmental delays and disturbances. Physical, mental, social and emotional development and learning are interrelated. Progress in one area affects progress in the others. Thus, promoting child development is not limited to the academic arena of numbers and letters. The following dimensions of child development are considered important:

Physical development: Meeting children's basic needs for protection, nutrition and health care.

Cognitive development and social-emotional development: Meeting children's basic human needs for affection, security, social participation and interaction with others as well as educational needs through intellectual stimulation, exploration, imitation, trial and error, discovery and active involvement in learning and experimentation within a safe and stimulating environment.

First 5 sponsors Placer Nature Center's series of free workshops called "Our Day Outside" for families with young children. This year the following classes will be offered:

Jan. 17, Sat., 9:30-11:30a: Water Wonders. Water is more than just wet!

Feb. 21, Sat., 9:30-11:30a: Wigglers. They’re squirmy (the worms), fun and very important!

Mar. 21, Sat., 9:30-11:30a: Feathered Friends. Tweet, twitter and chirp! Make a natural birdfeeder and more!

Apr. 18, Sat., 9:30-11:30a: Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! Squirmy and crawly but loads of fun! Kids can get their hands dirty or just watch!

Classes are designed to help families explore and practice strategies while learning new tools to nurture your Preschooler’s innate curiosity of the environment! Each class helps build necessary skills to help them excel in school.

Classes take place at Placer Nature Center, 3700 Christian Valley Road , Auburn, CA, 95602. For more information call (530) 878-6053, email events@placernaturecenter.org or visit www.placernaturecenter.org