Co-authored by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child and the National Forum on Early Childhood Policy and Programs, this publication presents some essential findings based on research in neuroscience, molecular biology and genomics. The authors explain the significance of these findings for decision-makers across early childhood program and health promotion and prevention policy sectors and offer a new framework for viewing early childhood policy and practice. The entire document is available on the website, along with a summary of the essential findings.