Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems

Experiences that fill a child's first three years have a direct and substantial impact not only on brain development but on subsequent intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth. Early childhood comprehensive systems are designed to put all children on a pathway to success in school and life. The successes of these state-level initiatives are noteworthy. This policy brief discusses Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems, and what such a system might mean for the optimal brain development of young children in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee.