Parenting a young child can be stressful—and Chicago Public Library is here for you with vetted, evidence-based sources to support your family. If you're looking for more ways to support your child’s milestone development, check out the resources below.
Books:
The Month-by-month Baby Book, Your Child and The Wonder Years are books by medical professionals that cover the developmental and behavior milestones of young children.
In The Whole-brain Child, Dr. Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson use the science of child development to inform evidence-based parenting strategies.
Looking for tons of activities to try at home? Check out The Everything Toddler Activities Book or Kitchen Table Play & Learn for ideas using items you probably already have.
Reading for Our Lives and Growing A Reader From Birth provide strategies to raise a confident and enthusiastic reader.
Remember, each child grows in their own way. Developmental milestones are general guidelines; meeting a milestone looks different for everyone!
Milestone and Parenting Resources:
Zero to Three is a national organization offering resources for the parents and caregivers of young children.
The US Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has many resources for young families including a downloadable milestone checklist in English and Spanish, a free milestone tracker app, positive parenting tips and a guide to early intervention.
Pathways.org, a sister organization of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, also provides an interactive guide to developmental milestones as well as a free app!
Local Early Childhood Resources:
Chicago Public School’s Early Learning Programs offer high-quality programs for children from before birth to 5.
Illinois Cares for Kids provides more resources for finding childcare and early learning programs across the state.
The Chicago Department of Public Health Resource Finder includes a wide variety of supports, including early childhood and education resources.
Young children grow and develop at different rates and in different ways, but it’s important to seek support early if you have any concerns about your child’s development. If you think your child needs more resources check out:
Resources for Children Who May Need Extra Support:
Early Intervention is a statewide program that provides supports and services for families to help their children under age 3 meet developmental milestones. To get started with Early Intervention, call your local Child and Family Connections (CFC) office to request a developmental evaluation. To find your local CFC office, call (800) 843-6154 or use the IDHS Office Locator.
The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse tip sheets offer information and strategies for a variety of developmental needs.
Pathways.org has guidance on next steps if you suspect your child may have a delay.
University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children provides assistance for children in Illinois with certain qualifying chronic conditions.
Neighborhood Parents Network Developmental Differences Parent Support Group is a group to connect with other parents of children with developmental differences in Chicago.
To learn more about the resources we have for young children at Chicago Public Library, visit our Early Childhood page.