The Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development reviewed an extensive, multi-disciplinary, and complex body of research covering the period from before birth to entry into Kindergarten to generate an integrated science of early childhood development and the role of early experiences. The result of the committee's review, this book synthesizes the literature, elaborates on a number of core concepts of development, and offers recommendations for policy and practice. The committee's conclusions and recommendations are grounded in four overarching themes: (1) all children are born wired for feelings and ready to learn; (2) early environments matter, and nurturing relationships are essential; (3) society is changing, and the needs of young children are not being addressed; and (4) interactions among early childhood science, policy, and practice are problematic and demand dramatic rethinking. Following an executive summary, the book's chapters are as follows: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Rethinking Nature and Nurture"; (3) "The Challenge of Studying Culture"; (4) "Making Causal Connections"; (5) "Acquiring Self-Regulation"; (6) "Communicating and Learning"; (7) "Making Friends and Getting Along with Peers"; (8) "The Developing Brain"; (9) "Nurturing Relationships"; (10) "Family Resources"; (11) "Growing Up in Child Care"; (12) "Neighborhood and Community"; (13) "Promoting Healthy Development through Intervention"; and (14) "Conclusions and Recommendations." The book's four appendices include related reports from the National Academies, and discussion of technologies for studying the developing human brain. Contains 1,821 references. (HTH)