Developmental Milestones
Rolling over, crawling, walking and talking are all considered milestones. Children reach milestones every day in how they play, learn, speak, act and move. Though all children develop at their own pace, most children reach developmental milestones at or about the same age. Children who do not reach milestones may need extra support and services to reach their full potential. Learn more about developmental milestones.
Developmental Monitoring and Screening
Developmental monitoring is observing how your child grows and changes over time. It is an ongoing process, beginning at birth, which helps families recognize if their child might be at risk for any developmental delays. Developmental screening takes a closer look at how a child is developing. It is a more formal process of checking a child’s development. Screening goes beyond monitoring a child and allows for more specific information to help identify possible developmental delays that may need further evaluation by a professional.
Home Visiting Services
Home Visiting programs offer voluntary, high quality early childhood visits in the home and access to other resources free of charge to Missouri residents. These services support families to provide the opportunity for children to grow up healthy, safe, ready to learn, and for their families to have the ability to be active participants in this journey.
Perinatal Care
Perinatal care, or health care during and after pregnancy, is very important for the health of a mother and her unborn child. Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies connects women to quality healthcare and supportive resources that will support healthy, successful pregnancy and post-partum experiences for both mom and baby.
Newborn Screenings
Newborn screenings are performed shortly after birth to protect them from the serious effects of disorders that otherwise may not be detected for several days, months, or even years. Missouri law requires all babies born in the state to be screened for over 70 different disorders.
Vaccines and Immunizations
Most vaccine-preventable diseases are caused by viruses or bacteria. Vaccines help your body recognize and fight these germs and protect you each time you come in contact with someone who is sick with any of these diseases. Learn about vaccination schedules and requirements for enrollment in child care and kindergarten.
Environmental Health Hazards
Many things in the environment can affect your child’s health. Hazardous substances found in the air, soil and water can originate from a variety of sources, such as agricultural and industrial activities, mining operations, landfills and leaky underground storage tanks.
Lead Poisoning Information
Lead poisoning is one of the most common and preventable environmental health problems in Missouri. Lead exposure in children can cause learning and behavioral problems, lower IQ levels and interfere with growth and hearing. The only way to know if a child has lead poisoning is to have his or her blood tested.
Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Benefits
Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Benefits (WIC) provides supplemental food, health care referrals, nutrition education and breastfeeding promotion to eligible pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children up to age five. Fathers, grandparents, guardians, and foster parents may also apply for benefits for the children living in their household.
Missouri Family Resources
Visit the Missouri Family Resources website to search for more child development resources.
These materials were created in partnership with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for contract #MS250134001.
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