- March 2014
- Vol. 15, No. 3
Caregiver and Community Capacity Logic Model
The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University produced a logic model highlighting how policies and programs that strengthen caregiver and community capacities can build healthy development across children's developmental lifespans. The interactive logic model is centered on three concepts:
- Brain development begins before birth and continues through adulthood.
- Experiencing adversity early in life can produce physiological disruptions or biological "memories" that upset development.
- The ability to change behavior decreases over time.
The narrated logic model contends that the presence or lack of three domains—(1) stable and responsive environment of relationships, (2) safe and supportive physical environments, and (3) sound and appropriate nutrition—will either nourish or interrupt development. The tool notes that effective policies to boost caregiver and community capacities that support development include legislative and administrative actions affecting public health, early care, child welfare, and other human services, and workplace policies related to flexible working hours and time off.
Driving Science-Based Innovation in Policy and Practice: A Logic Model is available on the website for the Center on the Developing Child: