Town Square Research to Practice Statements offer information from theory and research with examples and suggestions for what it means in your work with children.  This series of position statements includes topics such as the benefits of a home-like environment, the power of open-ended materials, and the benefits of incorporating the arts.

Town Square Research to Practice Statement: Supporting the Development of Executive Function

The brain is developing at the most rapid rate during the early childhood years. As infants, toddlers, and young children experience new things, connections between neurons (synapses) are being formed. As experiences and patterns of behavior are repeated, the synapses are strengthened. For optimal brain development, positive patterns of behavior and exposure to sensory experiences are important.