From birth to age five, a child’s brain develops more than at any other stage in life—forming over one million new neural connections every second. By the time children start kindergarten, 90% of their brain is already developed.
Early learning and brain development have a lasting impact on learning, problem-solving, and social skills. Positive, stable relationships with caregivers, paired with high-quality childcare and preschool experiences, build the foundation for success in school and in life.
How the Brain Grows
At birth, a baby’s brain is about a quarter of its adult size. By age one, it doubles. By age three, it reaches 80% of adult size, and by age five, nearly 90%.
While babies are born with all the brain cells they’ll ever have, it’s the connections between those cells—called synapses—that power growth and learning. These connections are responsible for movement, language, emotion, and thinking. In the early years, the brain forms these connections at an astonishing rate, making this a critical window for growth, discovery, and learning.
The Power of Relationships
Brain connections are shaped through everyday experiences. Simple interactions—talking, singing, reading, playing—literally help “wire” the brain. This process, often called “serve and return,” happens when children invite engagement (through smiling, cooing, or asking questions) and adults respond with attention, conversation, and care.
At Royal Academy, our educators provide these caring, responsive interactions every day. Combined with a safe, nurturing environment and an engaging curriculum, we give children the stimulation and security their developing brains need to thrive.
