ChildOne :: An Early Childhood Development Initiative

Early learning in children serves as important preparation for effective education while also promoting social welfare and order to develop a better skilled and knowledgeable workforce. High quality preschool can provide your child with both social and educational benefits in the long run. Many seem to take these early years for granted but they can actually be the stepping-stone for your child’s long and prosperous future.

Early childhood education generally encompasses the first eight years of your child’s life. This includes preschool, kindergarten, and first through third grades. Education during these years is often termed as “learning through play” and research shows that this type of education is crucial at this specific time due to your child’s brain absorbing and developing so quickly. While good early education and learning can help the brain develop in healthy ways, improper education or study without play may affect brain development in a different manner.

Developmental Delay or Disability

Each child develops at a different rate. There are many variations in a child’s size, skills, abilities, and functions at every age level. However, if your child is having trouble keeping up with their peers or you notice a developmental delay or disability, there is help for you.

Special services at no cost to your family are available to all eligible individuals from birth to 21 years of age regardless of the severity of their disability through Region 12’s Child Find program. Learn more here.

You can also access assistance from Klaras Children’s Center ECI, which serves children from birth to three years old with developmental or behavioral issues. Fees for these services are based on a sliding scale and all insurances are accepted. Learn more here.

Head Start/Early Head Start

Head Start and Early Head Start are preschool programs for disadvantaged children, which aim to improve their skills so that they can begin their schooling on an equal level with their more advantaged peers. These programs serve those from pregnancy to children of age four. They provide services for children with disabilities and teach nutrition, health, parent involvement, and social and emotional wellbeing. For information on center locations in your area and additional services, call (254) 753-0331 or visit hsehsonline.org.

Resources

Click here to learn about stages of normal childhood development by age range.

Click here to learn about early childhood learning and knowledge from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Administration for Children and Families.

Click here to learn about early childhood intervention from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services.

Click here to access information from the Children’s Learning Institute.

Click here to access EOAC Head Start and Early Head Start in Waco.

Click here to access information on child development and behavior from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Click here to access information on healthy child development from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Family Science division.