Pascal's Wager: from science to policy on early childhood development.

Evidence suggests that our brains are shaped profoundly by experiences in early life, with long-lasting implications for development. This science has yet to make the leap to policy on early childhood development in Canada--a shortcoming that has left this country well behind other developed nations. The Pascal Report, released in June 2009, marks an historic opportunity to enact comprehensive early childhood education and care policy in Ontario. Properly implemented, it could serve as a model for such policy across the country. Its successful adoption will require sustained advocacy and ongoing research by the Canadian medical community.