Abstract The neurogenic period, where neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferate to produce molecularly distinct progeny in the developing brain, is a critical time of growth in many organisms. Proper brain development is crucial for survival and requires strict regulation of NSC divisions along a set developmental timeline. In Drosophila NSCs known as neuroblasts (NBs), cell intrinsic programs integrate with extrinsic cues to control periods of rapid growth through temporal patterning genes.