Their first smile, their first word, their first step; these are all milestones in a child’s life that parents will remember forever. These, and many other developmental markers that come during the years between birth and a child’s fifth birthday, are so very important.

Early childhood is a time when the mind and body are growing at a rapid rate. As the baby grows into a toddler and a young child, their brain is also expanding, with new synapses forming every day. It is during these critical years that children learn to move, speak and interact with the world.

For many new parents, this can also be a confusing time. There are so many questions that come with having a child. Fortunately, in Beaufort County and across the nation, there are resources available to help parents learn more about how they can help foster their child’s development.

Locally, organizations such as the Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children work with parents and child care providers to recommend best practices to help children achieve developmental milestones.

On a broader scale, a team of community leaders known as Beaufort County 360 brings together multiple organizations with a common interest in the welfare of young children. Participating agencies include the BHPC, Beaufort County Social Services, Beaufort County Schools, Vidant Beaufort Hospital, United Way and Beaufort County Government, among other organizations.

Together, these groups share four common goals:

1. Increase access to quality childcare and increase the quality of childcare.
2. Promote active healthy living and increase access to integrated primary and behavioral healthcare.
3. Reduce family stress and promote family protective factors.
4. Provide literacy support and promote family literacy.

While these organizations are each entrusted with various aspects of caring for children, ultimately the greatest influence on a child’s growth is the structure provided by parents, guardians and caregivers. Fortunately, parents don’t have to go it alone. In addition to these local resources, a wide variety of state and federal agencies offer tools that can be of assistance to parents.

The Center for Disease Control offers a fantastic resource for parents in its Development Milestone Tracker. In addition to downloading and printing milestone check

, the CDC has also developed a smartphone app that parents can use to track their children’s progress. These resources can be accessed at www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly. Further resources are available from both the North Carolina and United States Departments of Health and Human Services at www.ncdhhs.gov and www.acf.hhs.gov/ecd, respectively.