Access to these resources has been funded by the government of British Columbia.

More SECD Resources Now Available!

The SECD Introductory Edition (an abridged version of the North American Ed) and the Prenatal Development Module are available on this site!

See below to explore the new resources

Teaching and learning with SECD resources

Visit the Tools and Tip Sheets page for ideas to enhance your SECD experience.

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We are interested in hearing from people using these SECD resources. Please click on the link below to answer 4 short questions.

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Risky play

Do children in your community have opportunities to engage in risky play? Would you like to know more about this hot topic?

Learn more about risky play in the Coping and Competence module

SECD eMessages

When you sign up for the eMessage, SECD will send you sample videos and other material to inspire, engage and stir your curiosity.

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EYPD Portal

Do you work with young children? Use the EYPD portal to find early years workshops, courses, conferences and seminars throughout British Columbia.

Click here to find training fast

The Science of Early Child Development (SECD) is a knowledge translation and mobilization initiative designed to make current research accessible to anyone interested in learning more about the impact of early experience on lifelong health and well-being.

Try the free Self-Study Professional Development (SSPD) Modules

Explore the Modules Below

Modules

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Science of Early Child Development will soon no longer be available as open access in this region. To purchase access to SECD please visit scienceofecd.com

North American Edition

This "living textbook" contains five modules on a wide range of early child development topics. It includes content and examples from both North America and the broader international context.
  • Brain Development

    Discover how genetics and early environments interact to shape children’s development and influence them throughout life.

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  • Coping & Competence

    Explore how children develop from complete dependency to being able to cope with the world around them, relate to others, manage life’s challenges and regulate their behaviour.

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  • Communicating & Learning

    Understand how children think and learn. Delve into exciting research on early language development, literacy, numeracy and the importance of play in learning.

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  • The Ecology of Childhood

    Examine the contexts of children's experiences around the world. Consider children's rights and what makes communities child-friendly.

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  • Developmental Health

    Gain insight into why early years have such a long-term impact on both individuals and societies; learn how to use this information to advocate for children and families.

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  • Index of Topics

    View the SECD - North American Edition's clickable list of topics.

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Introductory Edition Modules

This abridged version of the North American Edition contains five modules/chapters covering a wide range of early child development topics. It has been shortened and simplified for a more introductory level.
  • Brain Development

    Discover how the interplay of genes and early environments shape children’s development and influence them throughout life.

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  • Coping and Competence

    Explore key concepts such as self-regulation and resilience. Crying, temperament, fear, stress and aggression are all studied within the focus of caring relationships.

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  • Communicating and Learning

    Understand how children think and learn. Delve into exciting research on infant memory, early language development and the importance of play in learning.

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  • Ecology of Childhood Module

    Examine the contexts of children's experiences around the world. Consider children's rights and what makes communities child-friendly.

    Go
  • Developmental Health

    Gain insight into why early years have such a long-term impact on both individuals and societies; learn how to use this information to advocate for children and families.

    Go

Child Development Primer

This module gives background information on theories and the study of child development. It explores vital concepts related to working with young children including the importance of observation, play and positive guidance.

Introduction au développement de l'enfant

Cette introduction au développement de l'enfant est un document d'information traitant des théories et de l'étude du développement de l'enfant. Il explore les concepts essentiels liés au travail avec de jeunes enfants, notamment l'importance de l'observation, du jeu et de l'orientation positive.

Prenatal Development Module

This module explores the impact of the prenatal environment on fetal development and life-long health. Topics such as maternal health and nutrition, prenatal stress, and social supports are reviewed.

About Science of Early Child Development

The resources above are part of the Science of Early Child Development (SECD) project. SECD resources bring research and concepts to life with hundreds of readings, videos, links, questions for reflection, and interactive activities. From the latest research into babies' brain development and the impact of early experience on well-being, to topics such as child rights, literacy and the importance of play, SECD explores how nature and nurture interact from conception on to construct a foundation for development.
SECD materials are used around the world for post-secondary education, professional development, parent education workshops and staff training.

Learn more about other SECD resources