These first years are critical for physical, cognitive and social-emotional development. Early childhood is a critical period during an individual’s growth and contributes significantly to later circumstances in school and life. Since development occurs with direct influence from factors such as family, community, culture and relationships, it is essential to understand how these factors impact the development of children. The Virginia Department of Education offers a number of resources and guides for parents to ensure their child receives high quality care that responds to their learning needs.
