Tools for Parents & Caregivers

PROMOTING BEST PRACTICES STATEWIDE

CHDI promotes best practices in early child health and development through our public awareness, media outreach and education efforts.

Those working directly with young children – such as parents, early care and education providers, and health practitioners – play a critical role in a child’s development.

CHDI has developed resources to educate parents and providers on how they can promote the health and development of children for whom they care, prenatally through age 5. These tools include the following.

Parent Guides:

Caring for Connecticut’s Children – A two-volume series of handbooks for parents and caregivers of young children. The handbooks include current links to Connecticut resources for parents/caregivers of children age 5 and under.

• Volume One: Information and resources on how to keep young children safe and healthy, including tips about sleeping, healthy eating, mental health and safety
• Volume Two: Information and resources on the growth and development of young children, including how the brain develops, child development, dealing with behavior issues, and knowing the signs of development problems

Website:

KidsMentalHealthInfo.com – A free, comprehensive resource for parents, caregivers and providers on children's mental health issues that impact infants through teens. It offers information in English and Spanish, answers to frequently asked questions, and links to national and state resources.

• The infant and early child mental health section includes information on how parents and caregivers can promote positive social-emotional development (mental health) in young children. 
• The provider section features free training materials and videos for early care and education providers and pediatric health providers.