The
early years of a child's life are crucial for cognitive, social and
emotional development. Therefore, it is important that we take
every step necessary to ensure that children grow up in environments
where their social, emotional and educational needs are met.
Cost to society of less than optimal development are
enormous and far-reaching. Children who grow up in environments where their
developmental needs are not met are at an increased risk for compromised health
and safety, and learning and developmental delays. Failure to invest time and
resources during children’s early years may have long term effects on the foster
care, health care, and education systems. Therefore, it is in the public's
interest to ensure that children develop in safe, loving, and secure
environments.
Overview
What is Child
Development?
Children grow, develop, and learn throughout their lives from birth and
infancy to adulthood. A child’s development can be measured through
social, physical, and cognitive developmental milestones. If children
fail to develop properly they may be unable to reach their full
potential. However, healthcare professionals and parents can work
together as partners to help children grow up healthy and strong.
Why be concerned
if a baby shows signs of developmental delay? Won’t she just grow out of
it?
Developmental delays can have future negative effects on your child, which
may lead to speech and language difficulties, behavioral problems and
learning problems.
How can I
prevent developmental delay in my baby?
There isn’t one “right way” to prevent developmental delay. Consult a
pediatrician for specific activities for your child. Some activities
such as singing and reading to your child help to stimulate cognition
and recognition of a mother’s voice by her child.
What is early
childhood intervention?
The intent of early child intervention is to lay a foundation, in
conjunction with the family, to support infants as they grow and mature
into healthy individuals. Healthy means the best possible outcome the
physical, mental, and social functioning and well-being of an
individual.
I have concerns that my child could have a developmental delay. Whom do I
contact to get my child a developmental assessment in my state?
Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about your child’s
development. An additional resource,
the National Early Childhood
Technical Assistance Center, lists early intervention programs by
state. It is important to remember, however, that there is a range of
what is considered normal development. Some babies may accomplish
certain tasks or reach a specific developmental milestone sooner or
later than others.
How is CDC
working to improve child developmental outcomes?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is committed to promoting
optimal child health outcomes by preventing developmental delay and
disabilities. Following is a description of our current programs.
Legacy for
Children™
Legacy
for Children™ is a parenting intervention and research project
that seeks to learn how to help children develop into happy, successful,
and healthy individuals. Research shows that children are more likely to
overcome challenges and obstacles when their parents are involved and
committed to providing a safe, strong base of support. Through weekly
group meetings, Legacy for Children™ aims to enhance the
mother/child relationship by helping mothers to realize the importance
of establishing a nurturing and responsive relationship with their
child. The focus of group meetings is to foster each mother’s sense of
parental responsibility and feelings of competency as a parent.
The program is currently being implemented
at the University of California, Los Angeles and at the University of
Miami. For more information about Legacy for Children™, please
click on the tab above.