Parents are a child’s first, and best, teacher. It’s never too early to start. Early education and intervention for children and families can start during the family planning phase through kindergarten.
Starting early means having the right people around to help parents ensure they are able to identify any delays or concerns with the child by providing the support needed. Sometimes these delays can be caught in time which allows the child to start off on the right foot when they enter the school system.
A different kind of program
With so much information out there, how can you trust to know what you should (and shouldn’t) do? There are a few programs available in the United States, so it’s important to find the program that is right for you and your family because every family is different and every child is unique.
Parent educators work with each individual family to set goals and meet their particular needs. They also build on your family’s strengths and support your weaknesses, where needed. And programs are completely tailored to each family.
Results that speak for themselves
Parents and families involved in early intervention see increased success with their children when it comes to health and education. In the United States, 23,000 children each year are identified with a developmental delay or are diagnosed with vision, hearing or health (including mental health) problems.
A recent study from Parent as Teachers reported that the children in their program have half the amount of abuse and neglect and scored higher in standardized tests in elementary school. Three-quarters of PAT parents take their children to the library more frequently resulting in kids enjoying reading and writing.
How does the program work?
Every program is different. When looking for the program that is right for your family, make sure it is customized to your family and your child(ren’s) needs. This may include in-home family visits, interaction with other families in the program, connecting families to community and government resources and child screening to help catch delays and health concerns.
Your child’s health and well-being are paramount to ensuring they grow up happy and able to take on the world. Early childhood intervention is key to making this happen.