How Brain Connections in Early Childhood Influence Attention and Learning

Monday 13th October, 2025

Early years are shaping children’s long-term focus

In the early years of life, the brain is busy building the foundations that support learning, focus, and emotional regulation. A recent study sheds light on just how important this stage is - particularly for children between the ages of 4 and 7.

Using advanced MRI scans, the team studied how different parts of young children’s brains were physically connected (structural connectivity) and how well these areas communicated during tasks (functional connectivity). Their findings, published in eNeuro, revealed that strong and efficient brain wiring in these early years is closely linked to a child’s ability to focus.

Why this matters for childcare operators and investors

This study underscores the critical role early education environments play in supporting focus and learning. For childcare operators, it means the programs, activities, and relationships fostered within a centre are not just “nice extras.” They are actively shaping the architecture of children’s brains. For investors, it reinforces the long-term value of high-quality early learning centres as places where outcomes extend far beyond school-readiness; instead, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and resilience.

Early intervention makes the biggest difference

Developmental experts emphasise that ages 4 to 7 are a pivotal window for shaping brain pathways. During this period, the brain is highly adaptable - meaning that high-quality early learning environments can have a transformative impact. Interventions such as play-based learning, positive relationships, and emotional coaching can have an enormous impact. For operators, this reinforces the importance of:

• Investing in educator training on emotional regulation and child development

• Embedding intentional play and movement into the curriculum;

• Creating low-stress, connection-focused environments that allow children’s brains to thrive.

As child and family psychiatrist Dr. Joshua Feder explains,

“Children thrive when we activate their brains through relationships, not reprimands. Play and connection create joyful, responsive interactions that spark the neural circuits needed for attention and self-regulation.”

Takeaway for the childcare sector

For operators, this research is a reminder that investing in staff training, play-based curriculum, and strong educator-child relationships is not just a matter of best practice - it directly influences the way children’s brains are wired for learning.

For investors, it highlights why the demand for quality childcare will only grow: parents and policymakers are increasingly aware that early education has a measurable impact on children’s long-term academic success and wellbeing.

As neuroscience continues to uncover just how powerful these early years are, the childcare sector stands at the forefront - shaping not only the futures of individual children, but also building the foundation for stronger communities.

Reference: DocWire News, “How Brain Connections in Early Childhood Influence Attention and Learning” (2025), summarising research from Simon Fraser University, published in eNeuro.