As parents and guardians, we all want to give our children the best opportunities to grow up strong, in both body and mind. While it is important to create safe and structured places for children of all ages to learn and play, this kind of environment is of paramount importance during the first five years of life.  The reason for this focus can be summed up in one word, “plasticity.”  Scientists and developmental psychologists use this term to describe the ability of a young child’s brain to change and create