Birth to Age 5

From the first day of life to the first day of kindergarten, children grow faster than any other time in their lives. The first five years of life literally shape how the brain gets built, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Parents are their children’s first and most important teachers.

Behavior & Discipline

• Discipline for Young Children (PDF) - A workbook for parents of young children
• One Tough Job - Being a positive parent can be tough
• Positive Discipline - Learn how to negotiate the challenges of parenting

Child Care

• Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services - Learn more about quality child care
• Childcare Aware of Virginia - Talk to a professional about your child care needs
• Virginia Department of Social Services - Find child care providers in your area
• Virginia Star Quality Initiative - Learn what quality child care looks like

Developmental Stages

• Child Development Institute - Find out about the ages and stages of your child’s development
• PBS Parents - Learn the milestones of your child’s first five years

Early Education & Learning

• Born Learning - Help shape your child’s world
• PBS Parents - You are your child’s first and most important teacher
• Zero to Three - Because early experiences matter

Health, Nutrition & Safety

• Healthy Children - Answers to many health questions that new parents have
• Kids Health - Learn what you need to know about raising a healthy family

Parenting

• RVA Basics - Five fun, simple, and powerful ways that every family can give every child a great start in life
• GrandFamilies Guide - Learn more about the basics of grandparents raising grandchildren
• Child Development Institute - The challenges and rewards of single parenting
• FAMRichmond - Children are a gift, but they don’t come with instructions
• One Tough Job - Find information especially for dads

Social & Emotional Development

• RVA Basics - Five fun, simple, and powerful ways that every family can give every child a great start in life
• Zero to Three - Because early experiences matter

Additional Resources

• Search for local resources  
• Local parenting programs