A child development expert is in Jersey this weekend to share his expertise on how everyday play shapes young minds and explore the science behind creating nurturing environments for young islanders.
Dr Dan Wuori, the founder and president of American public policy consultancy Early Childhood Policy Solutions, is set to be welcomed to the island by local charity Jersey Childcare Trust.
He is well known for sharing often hilarious child development lessons on his social media platforms to illustrate his key message to all adults: that playing, connecting and learning are critical parts of children’s early experiences.
When and how does a baby’s love begin?
— Dan Wuori (@DanWuori) August 12, 2023
The truth is that your baby begins falling in love with you even before you meet, becoming aware of (and learning to prefer) your voice during the final months in utero. (It may feel strange, but seriously, talk to your bump.)
After… pic.twitter.com/cxsRk92YlU
Using insight from his recently published book The Daycare Myth, Dr Wuori’s visit to Jersey aims to explore the link between child care and education, and highlight how current policies often prioritise adult employment over children’s developmental needs.
JCCT CEO Fiona Vacher said that watching Dr Wuori’s insights “transformed” how she saw aspects of child development.
She said: “Dan’s videos and commentary caught my eye on my own social media newsfeeds.
“His posts were fun and engaging and began to transform how I saw some aspects of child development, and I’ve been studying and working with children for over 30 years.”
She added: “[Dan] has a superb way of helping us learn more about babies and children’s behaviours and stages of development and what we, as adults, can do to understand and help them.”
Dr Wuori will speak at a free seminar at the Freedom Centre on Saturday 29 March from 11:00 to 13:00.
Islanders can book a place via Eventbrite here.