We recognize how difficult it can be for parents to assess whether their young children are developing appropriately. Early intervention can facilitate optimal development in children with delays.

Support for Parents Through special activities, we raise parent awareness of children’s progress towards developmental milestones, and assist parents whose toddlers appear to be lagging in developing communication or other essential skills.

Early Communication Counts! In a pilot program taking place at our Huntington Park and Manchester WIC centers, we provide early childhood development support services to parents of children 17 to 36 months of age and recommend appropriate parent-child activities. Parents are prompted to become more aware of child development and age-appropriate motor, language and behavior milestones, and to identify any areas of concern. Our staff encourage parents to discuss any concerns with their children’s physicians.

Parents of children 17 to 36 months of age complete a brief questionnaire every six months. Our staff discuss parents’ concerns with them, suggest strategies and, when indicated, refer them to the child development specialist on site. She conducts further assessment and, if appropriate, provides one-on-one support and assists with referrals to outside agencies. This approach has enabled the specialist to identify and refer children with moderate-to-severe developmental delays.

Little by Little We began piloting this early literacy project at the Huntington Park WIC Center in 2012, and introduced this program at our Manchester WIC Center in 2014. Little by Little, first implemented at five Public Health Foundation Enterprises WIC centers between 2003 and 2008, integrates early learning and school readiness activities, and safety promotion messages with WIC services.

At every visit to the Huntington Park and Manchester WIC centers, starting with enrollment in late pregnancy, our participants receive colorful educational pamphlets and books, and are shown interactive activities they can enjoy with their infants and children at home. This program has expanded to 10 WIC programs throughout Los Angeles County and is funded by First 5 LA. Read more here>>