IMPACT
ON PUBLIC POLICY: EDUCATING EDUCATORS AND THE MEDIA
From its inception,
the Network has been constantly mindful of its potential role as a
source of information about the science of early brain development for
various audiences, including practitioners, policy makers, and the
general public. While our core group of researchers has been wary of
making premature links between the Network’s findings and
potential policy implications, they are also aware of these various
audiences’ needs for reliable, scientifically sound
information about how early experience affects brain and behavioral
development.
The Network provided
initial funding for the conceptualization and development of a National
Scientific Council on the Developing Child,
composed of experts whose main function will be the effective
dissemination of reliable scientific information on early child and
brain development to the public and policy makers. The working group
formed to spearhead this process includes members of the Network,
experts in media relations, and members of the National Research
Council’s Committee on Integrating the Science of Early
Childhood Development. This core of researchers, as well as experts
from additional complementary fields, will continue to guide the
formation of the Council. The Council takes as its starting point the
report produced by the National Research Council’s Committee
on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development, From
Neurons to Neighborhoods,
to which several Network members contributed their time and expertise.
In addition, the Council uses empirical findings from communications
research to guide the dissemination of scientific information such that
the science is understood fully and used responsibly and accurately in
guiding the formation of policies and interventions.
The Council's initial
activities were launched in 2003, and the Network is pleased to operate
as one of the Council's partners.
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