Every family treasures the development of their children and Danbury offers a wealth of services to promote your child’s development. During a time at which we are maintaining social distancing and avoiding large crowds, families may think about putting off medical visits for their children. I have recently been seen by my group of doctors and have been impressed with the extra caution being taken to prevent transmission of the coronavirus. I feel everyone in the medical and educational fields is doing their part to make sure we stay healthy. 

Maintaining the schedule of check-ups provided by your child’s doctor is important, not only for their physicals and immunizations but also to check for developmental milestones. Developmental milestones build skills in discreet ways that foster higher-level skills. If you are concerned about your child’s development, there are many internet sites that can provide you with information. For online developmental information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/facts.html.

If you continue to have concerns about your child’s development, a trip to your child’s doctor is always advised to rule out any medical issues. Your health care provider can provide you with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire developmental screening tool for you to complete. This screening tool documents that your child’s milestones are progressing naturally and within the time they should develop. If your child shows a lag in their development, there are resources to help you. Place a call to the Connecticut Birth to Three Program (B23) at 1-800-505-7000. http://www.birth23.org/. When you call the B23 Program, they will ask questions about your child’s development and may send you an Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). If you have already filled it out at your doctor’s office, let the intake person know. Services for children ages birth to three take place in the comfort of your home or now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the services are virtual. If your child is 3 years or older, your local public school is responsible to screen your child. Call your local Board of Education. 

Not only regular doctor’s appointments are important. Danbury has a wealth of other services to help your family. The local food collaborative provides food pantries and food trucks at different locations throughout Danbury. The information is available at https://www.uwwesternct.org/sites/uwwesternct.org/files/_UWWC/files-pdfs/FoodGuides/DanburyFoodGuide-Eng-10_15_2020.pdf.

Other resources for heating assistance, mental health and COVID-19 testing are available at

https://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/family_and_community_resources, live tutorials on Google Classroom, navigating Danbury Public schools and newcomer programs can be found at https://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/home and virtual infant/toddler preschool playgroups are organized through our Morris St. Family Resource Center and the Danbury Family Learning Center. Danbury Public Schools will be hosting the Community Forum on the DPS Re-Opening Plan, on Wednesday, December 9 at 7:00 pm. A panel of experts will answer questions previously submitted by families and the forum will be live-streamed through Hatter’s TV. 

Please hug your babies a little tighter, and read to and with them every night. I wish you all a happy and healthy Holiday season. 

Anne E. Mead, Ed. D., is the administrator for the Early Childhood Education and Extended Learning Programs of the Danbury Public Schools. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact her at 203-830-6508 or meadan@danbury.k12.ct.us.