When should I start looking for Early Head Start or child care?
Ideally during pregnancy or in the first weeks after birth, since high-quality infant slots fill quickly. ACOG recommends discussing child care strategy as part of postpartum planning.
At the HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI, we believe that Early Head Start and childcare resources are vital to supporting children’s early learning, development, and overall well-being. High-quality early care lays the foundation for lifelong growth, curiosity, and confidence, while providing families with reliable support and peace of mind.
Early Head Start programs and childcare options offer structured environments where children can explore, learn, and develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills. For families, these resources provide access to educational guidance, enrichment opportunities, and trusted caregiving, helping to balance the demands of daily life with the needs of young children.
The resources in this section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide are provided to offer guidance, information, and pathways to high-quality early care and educational programs. Our hope is that these tools help families make informed decisions that support both children’s growth and family well-being.
These materials are informational in nature and are not intended to replace medical, developmental, or individualized guidance from a physician, early intervention specialist, or other licensed clinical provider. Questions or concerns about a child’s health, development, or care needs should always be addressed with a qualified professional.
Early care shapes the trajectory of a child’s life. We hope these resources serve as a steady guide as you explore opportunities that nurture learning, growth, and family resilience from birth to five.
Ideally during pregnancy or in the first weeks after birth, since high-quality infant slots fill quickly. ACOG recommends discussing child care strategy as part of postpartum planning.
Early Head Start is a free, comprehensive program for income-eligible pregnant people and children under 3 that includes health, development, and family support services. Child care can be public or private and may not include the same wrap-around services.
Look for low child–staff ratios, trained caregivers, safe and clean spaces, nurturing interactions, and developmentally appropriate activities, which AAP highlights as key markers of quality child care.
Children in group care are exposed to more germs, especially early on, but good handwashing, vaccination, and illness policies help reduce risk. Your pediatrician follows AAP well-child guidance to monitor your child’s health.
Yes. ACOG and AAP strongly support continuing breastfeeding; programs can store expressed milk and feed your baby on your schedule.
Many parents feel this way. AAP notes that loving, responsive care at home combined with high-quality child care can support healthy development, and ACOG emphasizes building a strong support network in the postpartum period.
AAP calls for avoiding expulsion and using mental-health-informed supports. Ask the program to meet with you and your child’s doctor or Early Intervention, rather than removing your child from care.
High-quality early childhood programs improve language, social skills, and self-regulation, all of which support kindergarten readiness, especially for low-income children.
Use AAP early childhood policy statements and local Head Start/Early Head Start data when speaking with local officials, school committees, and health systems.
Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
