Early Childhood Development
Learn, Play & Grow with your Child
Learn
Use our mobile Ages & Stages questionnaires through either CHADIS or Sparkler to understand how your child is developing and to celebrate milestones.
Sparkler Website: https://playsparkler.org/connecticut
Sparkler: What Happens Next? (Instructions Download):
CHADIS Website: https://www.chadis.com/chadis/respondent/login.do
Play
Children learn through play. Please see these community resources, parenting tips and sparker activities:
City of Norwalk Early Childhood Page:
Early Childhood | Norwalk, CT - Official Website (norwalkct.gov)
Positive Parenting Tips CDC Website: Positive Parenting Tips | CDC
Sparkler Activities: https://playsparkler.org/sparkler-ct-family-resources/
Grow
Connect
Submit the form to connect with one of our Community Health Advocates through FCA to learn more about Early Childhood Development
What is Early Childhood Development?
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the early years of a child’s life are very important for later health and development. One of the main reasons is how fast the brain grows starting before birth and continuing into early childhood. Although the brain continues to develop and change into adulthood, the first 8 years can build a foundation for future learning, health and life success.
How well a brain develops depends on many factors in addition to genes, such as:
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- Proper nutrition starting in pregnancy
- Exposure to toxins or infections
- The child’s experiences with other people and the world
Nurturing and responsive care for the child’s body and mind is the key to supporting healthy brain development. Positive or negative experiences can add up to shape a child’s development and can have lifelong effects. To nurture their child’s body and mind, parents and caregivers need support and the right resources. The right care for children, starting before birth and continuing through childhood, ensures that the child’s brain grows well and reaches its full potential.