Introduction
Early intervention—the systems of coordinated services that promote child development from birth to age five—represents one of the most consequential investments in human potential. By identifying and addressing developmental concerns during the critical early years when brain plasticity is at its peak, early intervention can dramatically alter developmental trajectories and life outcomes. Throughout history, numerous researchers, practitioners, advocates, and policymakers have contributed to our understanding of early development and the creation of systems that support children with developmental delays, disabilities, or those at risk due to environmental factors.
This comprehensive exploration examines the 100 most influential figures who have shaped early intervention across multiple dimensions. From pioneering researchers who established the scientific foundations of early development to visionary program developers who created evidence-based interventions, from policy architects who secured funding and legal protections to dedicated practitioners who refined effective approaches—these individuals have collectively transformed how societies support their youngest and most vulnerable members during the most formative period of human development.
Foundational Researchers and Theorists
1. Arnold Gesell (1880-1961)
Gesell pioneered the study of child development through systematic observation, establishing developmental norms that are still referenced today. His maturational theory and developmental schedules formed the foundation for understanding typical and atypical development, creating frameworks for identifying children needing intervention.
2. Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
Piaget's cognitive development theory transformed understanding of how children construct knowledge through stages of development. His work established that children think differently than adults and progress through predictable cognitive stages, influencing how early interventionists understand and support cognitive development.
3. Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934)
Vygotsky's sociocultural theory and concept of the "zone of proximal development" revolutionized understanding of how children learn through social interaction and adult scaffolding. His work provides the theoretical foundation for intervention approaches emphasizing guided learning experiences.
4. John Bowlby (1907-1990)
Bowlby's attachment theory illuminated the critical importance of early relationships for healthy development. His research on maternal deprivation and secure attachment has fundamentally shaped early intervention approaches focused on parent-child relationships and emotional development.
5. Mary Ainsworth (1913-1999)
Ainsworth's "Strange Situation" procedure operationalized Bowlby's attachment theory, identifying secure and insecure attachment patterns. Her research demonstrated how caregiving quality affects developmental outcomes, informing relationship-based intervention approaches.
6. Urie Bronfenbrenner (1917-2005)
Bronfenbrenner's bioecological systems theory conceptualized child development within nested environmental contexts from family to broader society. This ecological perspective fundamentally shaped how early intervention addresses multiple levels of influence on development.
7. Michael Rutter (1933-)
Rutter's groundbreaking research on resilience, risk, and protective factors transformed understanding of how adverse circumstances affect development and how intervention can promote positive outcomes despite risk factors.
8. Sally Provence (1916-1993)
Provence's research on institutionalized children demonstrated the developmental impact of environmental deprivation. Her subsequent work establishing the Yale Child Study Center Child Development Unit pioneered integrated approaches to assessment and intervention.
9. T. Berry Brazelton (1918-2018)
Brazelton's development of the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale revolutionized understanding of newborn capabilities and individual differences. His "touchpoints" approach emphasized building relationships with parents around predictable developmental challenges, influencing preventive intervention.
10. Stanley Greenspan (1941-2010)
Greenspan's developmental-relationship based model, DIR/Floortime, transformed intervention for children with autism and other developmental challenges by emphasizing following the child's lead and building upon intrinsic motivation within relationships.
11. Jack P. Shonkoff (1952-)
As founding director of Harvard's Center on the Developing Child, Shonkoff has translated developmental science into policy frameworks through concepts like "toxic stress" and "serve and return" interactions. His work bridging neuroscience, development, and public policy has transformed early childhood system design.
12. Edward Zigler (1930-2019)
Considered the "father of Head Start," Zigler's research on poverty's impact on development and his leadership in early childhood policy fundamentally shaped comprehensive early intervention systems in the United States.
13. Jerome Bruner (1915-2016)
Bruner's constructivist learning theory emphasized the importance of active learning and discovery. His concepts of scaffolding and spiral curriculum influenced developmentally appropriate intervention approaches that revisit concepts at increasing levels of complexity.
14. Margaret Mahler (1897-1985)
Mahler's separation-individuation theory illuminated how children develop autonomy while maintaining connection to caregivers. Her understanding of this developmental process has informed approaches to supporting emotional development through early intervention.
15. Diana Baumrind (1927-2018)
Baumrind's research on parenting styles identified authoritative parenting as most supportive of healthy development. Her work has influenced parent-focused intervention approaches that promote warm, structured caregiving.
Early Intervention Program Developers
16. Kathryn Barnard (1938-2015)
Barnard developed the Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training (NCAST) programs, creating systematic tools for assessing parent-child interaction that are widely used in early intervention. Her focus on practical, observation-based assessment transformed how practitioners evaluate relationship quality.
17. Gerald Mahoney (1946-)
Mahoney developed Responsive Teaching, an evidence-based intervention that trains parents in responsive interaction strategies. His research demonstrated that parent responsiveness significantly impacts developmental outcomes for children with disabilities.
18. Sally Rogers (1950-)
Rogers co-developed the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), an evidence-based intervention for toddlers with autism that integrates developmental and behavioral approaches. Her research demonstrating that early intensive intervention can alter developmental trajectories for children with autism has transformed intervention timing and approaches.
19. Robert McCall (1941-)
McCall's research on early experience and plasticity has informed intervention timing and strategies. His studies of children adopted from institutional care demonstrated the developmental impact of early adversity and the potential for recovery through enhanced environments.
20. Heidelise Als (1940-)
Als developed the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP), transforming neonatal intensive care by individualizing interventions based on infant behavioral cues. Her work has significantly improved developmental outcomes for premature and medically fragile infants.
21. Susan Landry (1944-)
Landry developed the Play and Learning Strategies (PALS) program, which strengthens parent-child relationships and promotes cognitive, social, and language development through responsive parenting. Her research has demonstrated the effectiveness of targeted parent coaching.
22. Barbara Howard (1949-)
Howard developed the Healthy Steps program, integrating developmental specialists into primary pediatric care to provide screening, guidance, and intervention. This model has transformed how developmental support is delivered through medical settings.
23. David Olds (1949-)
Olds developed the Nurse-Family Partnership, an evidence-based home visiting program for first-time, low-income mothers. His rigorous research demonstrating long-term benefits from prenatal and infant home visiting has established a gold standard for preventive intervention.
24. Donald Baer (1931-2002)
Baer was instrumental in developing applied behavior analysis (ABA) approaches for young children with developmental disabilities. His emphasis on empirically validated interventions with measurable outcomes has influenced early intervention accountability systems.
25. Craig Ramey (1942-) and Sharon Landesman Ramey (1947-)
The Rameys developed the Abecedarian Project, one of the most influential early childhood intervention studies demonstrating long-term benefits of high-quality early education for at-risk children. Their subsequent development of PATHS (Partners for Advanced Training for Home Stimulation) has influenced home-based intervention approaches.
26. Betty Hart (1927-2012) and Todd Risley (1937-2007)
Hart and Risley's landmark research on language exposure differences between socioeconomic groups (the "30 million word gap") fundamentally shifted understanding of environmental influences on language development, spawning numerous early language intervention programs.
27. Lynn McDonald (1943-)
McDonald developed Families and Schools Together (FAST), an evidence-based program that strengthens family functioning and prevents child maltreatment. Her multi-family group approach has been implemented internationally as a prevention strategy.
28. Stanley Turecki (1935-2015)
Turecki's pioneering work on temperament-focused intervention helped parents understand and respond effectively to children with challenging temperaments. His approach to "difficult" children emphasized goodness of fit between parenting approaches and child characteristics.
29. Bernard Weikart (1932-2003)
Weikart developed the HighScope Perry Preschool Program, whose longitudinal research demonstrated dramatic long-term effects of high-quality early intervention on at-risk children. This program established active learning, adult-child interaction, and environmental arrangement as key intervention components.
30. Dante Cicchetti (1948-)
Cicchetti's research on developmental psychopathology and resilience has informed intervention approaches for maltreated children. His work integrating multiple levels of analysis from biology to ecology has advanced understanding of intervention mechanisms for children experiencing adversity.
Policy Architects and Systems Builders
31. Julius Richmond (1916-2008)
As Surgeon General and first director of the Head Start program, Richmond translated developmental research into a national comprehensive early intervention system serving millions of at-risk children. His public health approach to early childhood established preventive intervention as national policy.
32. Marian Wright Edelman (1939-)
As founder of the Children's Defense Fund, Edelman has been the nation's most prominent advocate for policies supporting vulnerable children. Her persistent advocacy for early intervention funding and expansion has secured resources for millions of children.
33. Robert Cooke (1920-2014)
Cooke chaired the committee that designed Head Start and helped draft the legislation establishing the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (now IDEA), which established legal rights to early intervention services.
34. Edward Zigler (1930-2019)
Beyond his research contributions, Zigler's policy leadership in designing Head Start and advocating for comprehensive services established the template for modern early intervention systems that address health, nutrition, parental involvement, and education.
35. Tom Harkin (1939-)
As U.S. Senator, Harkin championed the Americans with Disabilities Act and led efforts to establish and fund early intervention services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C, securing the legal foundation for early intervention systems.
36. George Miller (1945-)
As Congressman, Miller authored key legislation expanding early intervention services, including major provisions of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and its reauthorizations that strengthened early intervention mandates.
37. James Heckman (1944-)
Nobel Prize-winning economist Heckman's analysis of the economic returns from early childhood investment has provided the most compelling economic case for early intervention funding. His demonstration that early childhood programs yield the highest return on educational investments has influenced policy worldwide.
38. Mary Eming Young (1946-)
As lead early childhood development specialist at the World Bank, Young has shaped global investment in early intervention systems, particularly in developing countries. Her integration of health, nutrition, and stimulation approaches has influenced international early childhood development policy.
39. Donna Shalala (1941-)
As Secretary of Health and Human Services, Shalala expanded Early Head Start and strengthened early intervention services through administrative actions and advocacy. Her leadership established early childhood as a public health priority.
40. Evelyn Moore (1931-)
Moore co-founded the National Black Child Development Institute, advocating for culturally responsive early intervention services. Her work ensured that intervention systems address the specific needs of African American children and families.
41. Harriet Meyer (1946-)
As president of the Ounce of Prevention Fund (now Start Early), Meyer built model programs and advocated for systems-level change in early intervention. Her organization's Educare network has established standards for comprehensive early intervention for at-risk infants and toddlers.
42. Linda Smith (1947-)
Smith's leadership at the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and the Administration for Children and Families has shaped quality standards and professional development systems for early intervention providers nationally.
43. Joan Lombardi (1948-)
As the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Lombardi established coordination mechanisms between Head Start, child care, and early intervention systems, reducing fragmentation in services.
44. Valora Washington (1953-)
Washington's leadership at the Council for Professional Recognition established the Child Development Associate credential that professionalized the early intervention workforce. Her advocacy for professional standards has elevated the quality of intervention delivery.
45. Helen Blank (1947-)
As director of child care and early learning at the National Women's Law Center, Blank has advocated for increased funding and quality standards for early intervention services. Her policy analysis has strengthened the case for expanded early childhood systems.
Clinicians and Assessment Developers
46. Frances Connor (1912-2006)
Connor pioneered educational approaches for young children with multiple disabilities, establishing some of the first systematic early intervention programs for children with severe impairments at Teachers College, Columbia University.
47. Samuel Kirk (1904-1996)
Kirk coined the term "learning disabilities" and developed some of the first assessment tools for identifying developmental delays in young children. His early identification approaches established frameworks for timely intervention.
48. Diana Baumrind (1927-2018)
Beyond her parenting styles research, Baumrind's clinical work demonstrated the effectiveness of authoritative approaches in supporting optimal development, influencing parent coaching strategies in early intervention.
49. Stella Chess (1914-2007) and Alexander Thomas (1914-2003)
Chess and Thomas's groundbreaking New York Longitudinal Study established the importance of temperament in development and the concept of "goodness of fit" between child characteristics and environment, fundamentally shaping individualized intervention approaches.
50. Nancy Bayley (1899-1994)
Bayley developed the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, the most widely used assessment for identifying developmental delays in early childhood. This comprehensive assessment tool has become essential for early intervention eligibility determination and planning.
51. Alice Honig (1929-)
Honig's work training home visitors and early interventionists has emphasized responsive caregiving and language-rich interactions. Her practical translation of attachment and language development research has shaped direct service approaches.
52. Tiffany Field (1941-)
Field's research on infant massage and touch therapy has demonstrated significant developmental benefits for premature and at-risk infants. Her Touch Research Institute has established evidence-based protocols now widely used in NICU and early intervention settings.
53. Diane Bricker (1937-)
Bricker developed the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), one of the most widely used developmental screening tools in early intervention systems. Her emphasis on functional assessment in natural environments has influenced intervention planning approaches.
54. Jane Squires (1952-)
With Bricker, Squires co-developed the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and established systems for developmental monitoring and screening in early intervention. Their work has enabled earlier identification of developmental concerns.
55. Robin McWilliam (1953-)
McWilliam developed the Routines-Based Interview and the Primary Service Provider approach to early intervention, shifting practice toward integrated services embedded in family routines rather than specialist-driven, isolated therapies.
56. Lucy Jane Miller (1948-)
Miller's research on sensory processing disorders has established assessment and intervention approaches for children with sensory challenges. Her standardized assessments and intervention protocols have become essential tools in early intervention practice.
57. Serena Wieder (1947-)
With Greenspan, Wieder co-developed the DIR/Floortime approach and established the Profectum Foundation advancing developmental intervention for autism and other challenges. Her clinical innovations have emphasized following the child's lead within developmental frameworks.
58. Greenspan Floortime Approach Foundation Team
This interdisciplinary team has systematized and disseminated Greenspan's developmental approach, training thousands of clinicians in relationship-based intervention methods that respect individual differences while promoting developmental progress.
59. Barry Carpenter (1950-)
Carpenter's work on complex needs and engagement profiles has transformed assessment and intervention for children with profound disabilities. His emphasis on engagement as a prerequisite for learning has influenced approaches for the most significantly impaired children.
60. Jean Clinton (1949-)
Clinton's clinical work integrating infant mental health principles into early intervention has strengthened approaches addressing social-emotional development. Her emphasis on reflective practice has influenced professional development in the field.
Communication and Language Intervention Specialists
61. Hanen Centre Founding Team
The team that developed the Hanen approach has transformed language intervention by training parents as primary intervention agents. Their evidence-based programs including "It Takes Two to Talk" and "More Than Words" have become standard approaches for early language intervention.
62. Amy Wetherby (1953-)
Wetherby developed the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS) assessment and the Early Social Interaction (ESI) intervention approach for children with autism and communication delays. Her research on early indicators of autism has enabled earlier identification and intervention.
63. Luigi Girolametto (1954-2015)
Girolametto's research on parent-implemented language intervention established the effectiveness of naturalistic approaches. His focused stimulation techniques have become core strategies in early language intervention.
64. Ann Kaiser (1948-)
Kaiser developed Enhanced Milieu Teaching, an evidence-based naturalistic language intervention approach that embeds teaching in everyday activities. Her research has demonstrated the effectiveness of environmental arrangement, responsive interaction, and milieu teaching procedures.
65. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff (1947-) and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek (1952-)
Golinkoff and Hirsh-Pasek's research on language development and their "language acquisition as cue detection" approach has informed playful, interaction-based language intervention. Their books translating developmental science for parents have influenced home language practices.
66. Marc Fey (1950-)
Fey's research on language intervention efficacy has established evidence-based approaches for children with language disorders. His hybrid intervention models combining clinician-directed and naturalistic approaches have influenced early intervention practice.
67. Laura Justice (1970-)
Justice's research on emergent literacy intervention has established evidence-based practices for preventing reading difficulties. Her print-focused interventions have expanded early intervention to address pre-literacy skills more effectively.
68. Paul Yoder (1952-)
Yoder's research on prelinguistic communication intervention has demonstrated the effectiveness of targeting early communication foundations. His responsive interaction techniques have influenced approaches for children with significant disabilities.
69. Betty Hart (1927-2012)
Beyond her "word gap" research, Hart developed language intervention approaches emphasizing environmental enrichment and responsive interaction. Her techniques for increasing child-directed speech have influenced parent coaching methods.
70. Howard Goldstein (1948-)
Goldstein's research on peer-mediated language intervention has established evidence-based approaches utilizing typically developing peers. His Story Friends curriculum has demonstrated effectiveness in building vocabulary and comprehension skills in at-risk preschoolers.
Motor Development and Sensory Processing Specialists
71. Beverly Stokes (1928-2019)
Stokes developed the Movement-based Learning approach, which recognizes movement as fundamental to all learning domains. Her work has influenced sensorimotor approaches in early intervention.
72. A. Jean Ayres (1920-1988)
Ayres developed Sensory Integration theory and therapy, fundamentally changing how sensory processing challenges are understood and addressed. Her systematic approach to addressing sensory processing has become a core component of many early intervention programs.
73. Patricia Oetter (1944-)
Oetter co-developed the M.O.R.E. (Motor, Oral, Respiratory, and Eyes) approach addressing the sensory foundations of development. Her integrated understanding of sensory-motor systems has influenced comprehensive intervention approaches.
74. Mary Benbow (1943-2020)
Benbow developed hand skill development approaches based on biomechanical principles, influencing fine motor intervention for young children. Her hand development protocols are widely used in early intervention for fine motor delays.
75. Colleen Hacker (1947-)
Hacker's development of neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) approaches for infants and young children has established intervention techniques for children with neuromotor impairments. Her emphasis on movement quality and functional outcomes has influenced physical therapy in early intervention.
76. Lois Bly (1942-)
Bly's systematic approach to motor development assessment and intervention has provided practical frameworks for physical therapists in early intervention. Her emphasis on normal movement components has influenced intervention planning.
77. Georgiana Stehli (1940-)
Stehli pioneered auditory integration training approaches for sensory processing challenges. Her work has influenced sensory-based intervention for children with autism and related conditions.
78. Winnie Dunn (1951-)
Dunn developed the Sensory Profile assessment and the concept of sensory processing patterns, providing a framework for understanding individual differences in sensory responsivity. Her ecological model emphasizes adapting environments to match sensory processing patterns.
79. Bette Bonder (1947-)
Bonder's work on occupational therapy in early intervention established functional approaches to sensory-motor challenges. Her emphasis on participation in everyday activities has influenced occupation-centered intervention.
80. Rosemary White (1956-)
White's integration of sensory integration approaches with DIR/Floortime has created comprehensive intervention models addressing the relationship between sensory processing and social engagement. Her DIR/SI approach has influenced multidisciplinary teams.
Global Early Intervention Leaders
81. Marta Meo (1942-)
Meo developed the Marta Meo method, a video-based intervention approach supporting parent-child interaction that has been implemented internationally. Her focus on moment-to-moment interaction patterns has influenced home visiting approaches worldwide.
82. Elise Hetu (1948-)
Hetu pioneered Amae therapy, an attachment-based approach used in multiple countries. Her integration of cultural perspectives on attachment has influenced culturally responsive intervention.
83. Karl König (1902-1966)
König founded the Camphill movement, establishing therapeutic communities for children with developmental disabilities. His holistic approach to supporting development through community has influenced inclusive early intervention models.
84. Penny Hubley (1945-)
Hubley's development of the PICCOLO (Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes) assessment has provided an evidence-based tool for measuring parent-child interaction quality used internationally in early intervention programs.
85. Emmi Pikler (1902-1984)
Pikler developed an approach to infant care emphasizing respect for natural development and autonomous movement. Her methods, implemented at the Lóczy Institute in Hungary, have influenced relationship-based approaches to early intervention internationally.
86. Anita Bundy (1954-)
Bundy's work on playfulness assessment and intervention has established play as a legitimate intervention focus. Her ecological approach to supporting play development has influenced early intervention globally.
87. Iona and Peter Opie (1923-2017; 1918-1982)
The Opies documented children's games, rhymes, and folklore, preserving cultural play traditions that support development. Their work has influenced developmental understanding of play across cultures.
88. UNICEF Early Childhood Development Team
This interdisciplinary team has established global standards for early childhood development programs, particularly in developing countries. Their Care for Child Development package has been implemented in multiple countries as a low-cost, evidence-based intervention approach.
89. Fraser Mustard (1927-2011)
Mustard's leadership in establishing the Council for Early Child Development in Canada and his global advocacy established early brain development as a public policy priority. His emphasis on the first three years transformed intervention timing globally.
90. Ratna Nandakumar (1956-)
Nandakumar's development of item response theory applications for early childhood assessment has improved measurement precision in identifying developmental delays across cultural contexts. Her statistical innovations have strengthened global screening tools.
Contemporary Influencers and Emerging Leaders
91. Brenda Jones Harden (1956-)
Harden's research on early intervention for maltreated children and implementation of evidence-based home visiting programs has advanced trauma-informed approaches. Her work bridges child welfare and early intervention systems to support the most vulnerable children.
92. Philip Fisher (1960-)
Fisher developed the Filming Interactions to Nurture Development (FIND) video coaching program and has conducted groundbreaking research on the neurobiology of maltreatment and intervention effects. His work translating neuroscience into practical interventions has advanced the field.
93. Charles Nelson (1953-)
Nelson's research on neural plasticity and the effects of early adversity, particularly institutional care, has demonstrated both the devastating impacts of deprivation and the potential for recovery through intervention. His work has established the neurobiological basis for early intervention timing.
94. Mary Dozier (1956-)
Dozier developed Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), an evidence-based intervention for infants who have experienced adversity. Her research has demonstrated that targeted intervention can alter attachment patterns and stress physiology in at-risk infants.
95. Karen Froud (1965-)
Froud's research using neuroimaging to examine intervention effects has advanced understanding of how early experiences shape brain development. Her work provides neurobiological evidence supporting early intervention approaches.
96. Betty Vohr (1941-)
Vohr established some of the first follow-up programs for NICU graduates and demonstrated the effectiveness of early intervention in improving outcomes for premature infants. Her longitudinal research has informed intervention timing and content for this vulnerable population.
97. Catherine Lord (1950-)
Lord developed the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and has conducted pivotal research on early indicators of autism. Her work has enabled earlier identification and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders.
98. Ross Greene (1957-)
Greene developed the Collaborative Problem Solving approach for children with behavioral challenges, shifting intervention from compliance-focused to skill-building approaches. His emphasis on lagging skills rather than motivation has transformed behavioral intervention.
99. Pat Levitt (1952-)
Levitt's research on brain development and sensitive periods has illuminated optimal timing for different types of intervention. His work translating neuroscience for practitioners has advanced science-informed early intervention.
100. Center on the Developing Child Innovation Team
This interdisciplinary team at Harvard University has developed the "Frontiers of Innovation" initiative, applying rapid-cycle testing to early intervention approaches. Their emphasis on precision, measurement, and innovation is advancing the next generation of intervention strategies.
Conclusion
The field of early intervention represents a remarkable integration of developmental science, educational practice, medical care, and social policy. The 100 influential figures profiled in this exploration have collectively transformed our understanding of early development and created systems that identify and address developmental concerns during the most formative period of life. Their work spans from foundational research establishing the critical importance of early experience to practical innovations in assessment and intervention to policy advocacy securing resources and legal protections.
Several key insights emerge from their collective contributions. First, the timing of intervention matters profoundly, with earlier support generally yielding greater developmental impact due to the heightened plasticity of developing systems. Second, the most effective interventions work within the context of relationships, particularly by strengthening caregiver-child interactions rather than focusing narrowly on the child in isolation. Third, comprehensive approaches addressing multiple developmental domains and environmental levels tend to show stronger and more sustained effects than narrowly targeted interventions.
The future of early intervention faces both exciting opportunities and significant challenges. Advances in neuroscience and developmental psychology continue to refine understanding of critical periods and intervention mechanisms. Technology offers new possibilities for screening, assessment, and parent support, potentially extending services to previously unreached populations. However, persistent disparities in access to quality services, professional shortages in many regions, and fragmented systems of care create barriers to implementing what we know works.
By honoring these influential contributors and their insights, we gain a deeper understanding of how to support the earliest stages of human development when potential for positive impact is greatest. Their collective wisdom reminds us that investing in the beginning of life yields returns throughout the lifespan, not only for individual children and families but for society as a whole.
