Child Development

Child Development and Public Health

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.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) promotes the health of babies, children, and adults, and enhances the potential for full, productive living.  Our work includes identifying the causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and promoting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.