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Early Childhood Development

Early childhood programs support families by offering activities that enhance parents' protective characteristics. Typically, programs assess family needs, link families to community resources, provide counseling and parent education, respond to crises, and engage parents in leadership. The strategies are designed to alleviate stress, strengthen parent-child relationships, decrease feelings of social isolation, and make families more comfortable with receiving services.

Early intervention services can range from specialized assistance for children at risk to parenting classes for the general public. Incorporating a strengths-based approach helps families form attachments with their children that will contribute to healthy physical and emotional development.

• Related resources

Selected Resources Infants, Toddlers, and Families: A Framework for Support and Intervention Erickson & Kurz-Riemer (1999) View Abstract A framework for early intervention programs that promotes a broad perspective of support drawn from research about the effectiveness of intervention services. Strengthening Families in America's Cities: Early Childhood Development (PDF - 291 KB) National League of Cities (2003) Findings on early childhood development from a survey that examined issues affecting children and families in American communities.

	Related Information Gateway Topics Supporting & preserving families: Specialized services for young parents Preventing child abuse & neglect: Understanding developmental stages Systemwide: Childcare & child development services

Updated on December 7, 2007