New! An interactive version of our printed LIFE brochures, featuring a detailed global map and clickable hyperlinks that will take you to the catalog page for each program. View or download the map here.

How irrevocably are we shaped by the first few years of our lives? Recent developments in behavioral and neuroscience have led to new insights into how children think. But some now claim we're not acting on these discoveries - and risk wasting the potential of a quarter of a billion young lives worldwide. TVE's powerful new series Early Life explores the arguments through the stories of young children and their families in four different continents.

NOTE: Six more series of LIFE programs are now available.

The titles in this series are:

1. The Mayor's Dream - The Mayor's dream is simple: a better world because every child gets a better start.

2. Kibera Kids - The adults of Kibera are working hard to offer kids a safe and stimulating haven in pre-schools.

3. My First Day at School - Three children prepare to enter primary school in Chiang Mai, Thailand.



Grade Level: 9-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 2009     Copyright Date: 2009
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-906-2

Reviews "This important series translates our growing understanding of the vital role of early experience in laying the foundation for life-long learning for children growing up in poor communities around the world. It shows how despite poverty, we can combat the effects of deprivation on development and help young children thrive by promoting cost effective and humane early stimulation, attachment, and learning experiences. In this time of increasing globalization, these films bring students of child development and early education into the global community by expanding their vision of the power of child development in promoting the wellbeing of all children. An invaluable resource for programs that aim to integrate an appreciation of cultural diversity and economic and social justice into their courses." Dr. Diane E. Levin, Professor of Education, Wheelock College, Author, Teaching Young Children in Violent Times "The Mayor's Dream is an enlightening glimpse into the current science and research of brain development. Young children's interactions, relationships and experiences prove to be necessary for later success. The global perspective is an essential tool for building cultural competence. This focus on the importance of early childhood around the world is very affirming for students entering this exciting profession. An outstanding way to bring the world into the early childhood teacher education program." Mary Jane Eisenhauer, Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education, Purdue University North Central "[Re:My First Day at School] This behind-the-scenes look at three Thai children as they enter formal schooling highlights the critical elements of school readiness and improving the quality of life for young children. This examination of education policy in Thailand raises questions of the role of culture and child rights in preparing children for school. This is a brilliant means to spark discussion that broadens our notions about the early years, parenting and equitable access to educational opportunities." Mary Jane Eisenhauer, Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education, Purdue University North Central "The Mayor's Dream and Kibera Kids films use an exciting clarity and grace to convey the complex and often disquieting message regarding the overwhelming significance of the early years in preparing humans for their best chance at a productive and meaningful lives. The mixed chorus of young and old voices, experts and community leaders, and the lucky and the vulnerable is highly educational and persuasive. I look forward to using them to do just that; to teach and to persuade." Kyle Pruett, M.D. Clinical Professor of Child Psychiatry and Nursing, Yale School of Medicine, author of Fatherneed and Partnership Parenting