At the HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI, we believe that early learning programs including Head Start, pre-K, and family child care are vital to laying the foundation for children’s growth, curiosity, and lifelong learning. These early experiences shape not only academic readiness, but social-emotional development, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging in the world.
Early learning programs provide structured environments where children can explore, play, and develop essential skills under the guidance of trained educators. For families, these programs offer reliable care, support, and access to resources that help children thrive while giving caregivers peace of mind and connection to community supports.
The resources in this section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide are offered to provide guidance, practical information, and pathways to high-quality early learning opportunities. Our hope is that these tools empower families to make informed choices that support children’s growth, curiosity, and 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. Any concerns about a child’s health, development, or readiness for a program should be discussed with a qualified professional.
Early learning is more than preparation for school; it is the groundwork for a lifetime of discovery. We hope these resources serve as a steady guide as you navigate opportunities that nurture your child’s potential and support family resilience.
Head Start serves 3–5 year-olds; Early Head Start focuses on pregnancy to age 3; pre-K is usually school-district based for 3–4 year-olds; family child care is licensed care in a provider’s home.
High-quality programs build routines around nutrition, play, sleep, screenings, and social-emotional support, which AAP notes are core to lifelong health.
Yes. Group care gives practice with sharing, turn-taking, and emotion regulation; teachers can coach social skills and partner with parents.
Kids do get more colds at first, but over time they build immunity; programs should follow strong infection-control and vaccination policies.
Look at ratios, training, emergency plans, safe sleep, and the learning environment; use checklists and your pediatrician’s guidance.
Yes. Safe, nurturing care can support your child while you get treatment. ACOG emphasizes that PPD is treatable and seeking help is vital.
They can screen, document concerns, and help with referrals to EI, special education, or specialists.
AAP recommends very limited, high-quality, supervised screens for young children, with lots of hands-on play instead.
They offer consistent routines, respite, peer support, and can connect you with perinatal mental health resources and care.
Yes. AAP encourages pediatricians to partner with families on early childhood environments, including child care and pre-K options.
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.
