Early Childhood Development Support Services

According to the World Health Organization, early childhood is the most critical time period for growth and development throughout the life span. The influence on a child from birth until school age can determine health and education through his entire life. Support services to assist with access to medical care, appropriate nutrition and education are available nationwide for families with young children.

  1. Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children

    • The Women, Infants, and Children Program provides educational and nutritional support services for pregnant, breast feeding and postpartum women, as well as children from birth to 5 years of age, across the nation. Families must meet income guidelines to participate in the WIC program. Supplemental nutritional food is provided to each family when the family takes part in regular classes or meetings with a nutritionist. Families and children are also required to meet with a registered nurse to monitor physical growth and development, monitor nutritional needs and to discuss any early childhood concerns. WIC services can be found at county health clinics, hospitals, schools, public housing locations or migrant health services.

    Department of Social Services

    • The Department of Social Services serves all ages, but there are specific parts of this government entity that provide early childhood development support services. Families can receive nutritional support through the DSS by enrolling in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. Low-income medical programs are also available for children through the DSS. Eligibility for these programs is different for each state.

      Early childhood educational services are offered through the DSS but vary in each state as well. Families can acquire a listing of state-licensed child care providers through the DSS. These providers are regularly monitored by DSS professionals to ensure a safe and appropriate educational environment is provided for children.

    Birth-To-Three Services

    • Early intervention for young children is critical if there is a developmental delay. birth-to-three services vary by name in each state, but all provide low- or no-cost services to children experiencing an auditory, visual, speech, cognitive, emotional or motor delay. Professionals with birth-to-three services can provide children and families with assistive technology, counseling, medical services, speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy and other individualized services. Children are typically referred to birth-to-three services through developmental screenings in the community, medical professionals or educational professionals.

    Head Start

    • The National Head Start Association provides preschool instruction for children whose family meets state-specific income guidelines. Head start programs provide a well-rounded early childhood education that is tailored to the learning styles of each child. Children receive instruction to develop language, literacy skills, math skills, science concepts, art concepts, social skills and physical health. Instructors use information from each child̵7;s wellness checks, developmental screenings, parental input, and ongoing assessment and observations to maintain an appropriate learning environment for each child.

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