2015 is Off to a Good Start at The Urban Child Institute

Since 2006, our annual Data Book has examined the science of early brain development and its importance for children’s wellbeing. This year’s report, the product of our recent partnership with the RAND Corporation, features a new approach, a new focus, and a new name. Off to a Good Start places a greater emphasis on the importance of young children’s social and emotional skills for their future success in school and throughout life.

The new publication also includes more information on how each of us can make a difference in improving the well-being of children in Memphis and Shelby County. We hope that Off to a Good Start will become required reading for all community stakeholders who want to improve the future of our children and our city.

We’re also gearing up for this year’s Brain Awareness Night, our annual public symposium on issues affecting early childhood development. Brain Awareness Night is hosted by The Urban Child Institute in partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s Neuroscience Institute (NI). This year, as always, the event is free and open to the public.

Organized by the NI’s Paul Herron, Ph.D. and William E. Armstrong, Ph.D., Brain Awareness Night features leading experts who share research and knowledge about early brain development and its role in children’s later achievement and success.

This year, we welcome Helen Perkins, Ph.D., from the University of Memphis, and Daniela O’Neill, Ph.D., from the University of Waterloo. They will speak on early literacy and language development in children’s first years.

Brain Awareness Night will be held on March 12 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at The Urban Child Institute, located at 600 Jefferson Avenue in downtown Memphis. Look for more details coming soon.

Learn more and RSVP today; seating is limited.