Child Development
Last updated: July 20, 2023
The first few years of a child’s life lays the foundation for their future. Parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers.
A child’s brain grows rapidly in the first 5 years of their life – making new connections every day necessary for healthy development.
Loving interactions between you, your child, and other people provide stimulation and nourishment for the billions of brain cells to flourish during this sensitive stage of life. Without this stimulation and attachment, brain cells wither and become less responsive.
Everyday activities such as feeding, diaper changing, bath time and going for a walk are great opportunities to incorporate talking, singing, playing, rhyming and peek-a boo games.
Babies do best when their parents and caregivers:
- Respond to their needs with loving attention.
- Provide safe spaces to move, explore and play, both indoors and outdoors.
- Provide different and new experiences.
- Create an environment that is rich in language.
- Read, sing, dance and play with them!
How do I read and play with my baby? What are the best kind of toys to stimulate speech and language and growth and development? Check out our local speech and language website for tips!
If you have concerns about your child’s speech or language development, call Five Counties Children’s Centre Central Intake Coordinator at 705-748-2337, ext. 100
If your baby was born before 37 weeks of pregnancy or is at risk of a developmental delay you may be interested in our Infant and Child Development Program.
Resources
Serve and Return – Building Brains
Play & Learn – Games and Activities for Early Child Development