Programs for Infancy & Toddler Development

Every baby and toddler will differ in how he develops; however, sometimes a developmental delay or disability will hamper cognitive and physical growth. When these issues arise, parents will find a wealth of resources to assist them.

  1. Significance

    • In addition to helping parents understand typical baby and toddler development, these programs may also help parents spot problems early on. If a disability or developmental delay is detected, financial assistance may also be available.

    Time Frame

    • Generally, programs that offer assistance for baby and toddler development focus on children from birth to age 3.

    Government Programs

    • Each state has a program to offer developmental advice to parents and to intervene when a problem is suspected. Programs may be in conjunction with the state's Department of Education or other government agency.

    Interventions

    • The U.S. Department of Education requires that each state have programs to assist babies and toddlers. Once a child is determined to have a developmental delay, disability or is at risk of developing one, parents are encouraged to seek state-specific help (see Resources below).

    Methods

    • To help facilitate early intervention programs, experts rely on technology and even behavior modification tools. In addition, parents are often given games and activities to play with their children to help with specific developmental needs.

    • It is never appropriate to use the term midget. This term is outdated, offensive, and disrespectful. People with dwarfism are born with a medical condition that affects their growth. They may be born at a normal size for their gestational age, but
    • By the time your infant reaches his five-month birthday, he has already learned to do so much. He is now able to lift his head, giggle, recognize caregivers, mimic facial expressions and more. He will continue to grow and learn throughout his fifth m
    • Most babies reach motor skill milestones at about the same time -- give or take a few weeks or sometimes months. Though babies may vary in development between one another, gender does not seem to play a role. In the first year of babys life, motor sk