Between the ages of 0-3, children’s brains develop more than 1 million neural connections every second, according to the Harvard Center on the Developing Child. During those early years, experience shapes children’s development. In particular, the way that adult caregivers respond to children shapes how their brain architecture is formed. As anyone with a Fitbit will testify, having accurate data on what you’re doing every day makes it easier to create positive behavior change. With this in mind, LENA developed “talk pedometer” technology to measure back-and-forth conversations between adults and children. The data provides adult caregivers with actionable feedback on the early language environment that they’re creating for children, so they’re better able to develop their strengths and build responsive caregiving skills. It’s time to harness the power of interactive talk to boost children’s school readiness. LENA is excited to work with local partner organizations in North Carolina to close the early talk gap.