Laying the Groundwork
Your child’s early years lay the groundwork for everything that follows. From birth to age five, children experience incredible brain growth that shapes how they learn, connect with others, and understand the world. As a parent, you play a powerful role in supporting this development. By learning about early childhood growth and accessing trusted resources, you can give your child the best possible start. Explore these resources to help guide you every step of the way.
Whole Child Framework - Genesee Intermediate School District
The Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) supports a national leading model, the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC). The WSCC model was developed in collaboration by education and public health practitioners, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The WSCC model provides a broad framework for addressing both the learning and health needs of students in an integrated approach. Learn more about GISD's Whole Child Framework model.
MSU Extension Child & Family Development
MSU Extension's child and family development services provide tools to help parents and caregivers. Our programs get children ready for school and promote social and emotional wellness and positive behaviors in children and youth.
Parents and caregivers are the first to have influence on a child’s development and future academic success. To ensure the success of families across Michigan and to support children’s school readiness, MSU Extension has invested in research- and evidence-based programming for the parents, caregivers and early childhood educators who have the first opportunity to enhance children’s skills and become their best resources and advocates.
This programming supports families while helping parents and caregivers increase early childhood science, math and pre literacy skills, as well as enhancing the social and emotional wellness of children and youth. By increasing parents’ and caregivers’ knowledge of child and youth development, MSU Extension can help caring adults build a positive foundation for learning and lifelong success. Learn more about MSU Extension Child & Family Development.
Help Me Grow Michigan
Families with children between the ages of 2 months and 5 years of age can complete a FREE Ages and Stages (ASQ-3) developmental screening. It only takes 10 minutes to complete, and a developmental screening specialist will follow up with an individualized email to offer support and resources. Learn more at Help Me Grow Michigan.
MI Kids Matter
Information and resources for families about child development, prenatal to PreK. Learn more at MI Kids Matter.
Healthy Start, Grow Smart
The Healthy Start, Grow Smart series is a U.S. Department of Education resource that helps parents learn more about how their child grows and develops.
All It Takes is H.E.A.R.T.
Learn more about the All It Takes is H.E.A.R.T. program.
US Center for Disease Control (CDC) Early Care and Education Programs
As an early care and education provider, you are a valuable resource to parents! They look to you for information on their child, and they trust you. CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” has FREE research-based, parent-friendly resources on child development to help you boost family engagement and your own professional development. Learn more about CDC Early Care and Education Programs.
Concerned about your child's development? As a parent, you know your child best. If your child is not meeting the milestones for his or her age, or if you think there could be a problem with the way your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves; talk to your child’s doctor and share your concerns. Don’t wait. Acting early can make a real difference! Learn more at the CDC Learn the Signs Act Early website.
Find information about Developmental Milestones for ages 2 months through 5 years.
Track your child's progress using the CDC Milestone Tracker App.
Zero to Three
Specializing in early childhood development, specifically focusing on the ages 0 to 3. Zero to Three translates the science of this critical stage in childhood development into resources, training programs, and solutions that make a real impact. Learn more about Zero to Three.
Help Me Grow Michigan
Whether a parent has a concern or just wants to know more about their child’s development. Help Me Grow Michigan can help.
Early On®
Support for infants and toddlers, ages birth to 3, who have developmental delays or are at risk for delays due to certain health conditions, including premature birth. Call Early On Michigan at 1-800-EARLY-ON (1-800-327-5966) to schedule a free evaluation for your child. Or you can complete a referral online. Connect with Early On Michigan on Facebook.
Early On® Genesee County Early On® Genesee County provides local supports for parents and families so that they can address the unique needs of their eligible infants and toddlers and enhance their health, development, and learning.
Build Up Michigan
Build Up Michigan helps parents and their children, ages 3 through 5, get additional educational support as they begin and continue to learn the skills needed to enter kindergarten.
Michigan Alliance for Families
Information, support & education for families who have children who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. Learn more at the Michigan Alliance for Families website or contact them at (810) 238-4250 or (810) 552-4821.
State of Michigan Special Education
Information about special education for parents and families. Learn more at the Michigan Department of Education Special Education website.