Area nonprofit offers critical early intervention services
An editorial of April 9 (“Governor, lawmakers move to provide for Virginians with developmental disabilities”) praised Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the Virginia legislature for passing a budget initiative that will provide much needed funding to improve systems of support for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Although appropriate support for those with disabilities may be needed across the lifespan, research has consistently demonstrated the especially powerful impacts of early intervention with infants, toddlers and preschool children. Investments in early childhood education not only benefit children and their families, but also produce measurable economic benefits and cost savings at state and federal levels.
Virginia has been fortunate to have Child Development Resources (CDR), a nonprofit based in Williamsburg, providing a range of life-changing services to young children and their families since 1965. When our daughter was born two months prematurely, I learned firsthand the importance of support for parents during critical periods of infant development. While I have been actively involved with CDR for decades and currently serve as vice chair of the Board of Directors, I am continually impressed with CDR’s ability to identify emerging needs and develop responsive services, often in collaboration with other agencies. CDR offers a broad array of programs providing early intervention, parenting support and professional development.
With a highly skilled and committed staff of early childhood educators along with physical, occupational, speech and behavioral therapists, CDR offers a range of services young children might need to help them reach their full potential, whatever their challenges. Whether a child is facing developmental delays, a lack of resources or housing or other special needs, CDR is there to provide the support necessary for a family to succeed.
Services include developmental screenings and assessments, support and mentoring for parents, and home visiting services that include health screenings and assistance in accessing community resources. CDR also offers two Early
Head Start Learning Centers, providing high-quality, full-day, year-round developmental care for income-eligible families. Services are also provided to expectant parents, fathers, mothers and child care providers.
CDR has grown into an agency that families rely on during traumatic and stressful times. Imagine the thrill a parent feels when their toddler or young child learns to walk, talk, eat or play for the first time. Or, how a family is changed forever when a parent learns how to be their child’s first and best teacher.
And the impact is great. In the past year, CDR provided services to more than 2,300 children locally including more than 8,000 home visits, because that’s where a child learns best. Through its expert training staff, CDR reaches across Virginia by offering early child care providers the consultation, mentoring, instruction and linkages they need to provide the best possible care to the children they serve, impacting more than 10,800 children across the state.
As services and staff have expanded, CDR has outgrown its main facility in Norge that it has occupied for 30 years. CDR is actively planning to move into a new home at 312 Waller Mill R., conveniently located at the nexus of the many areas we serve, from New Kent County to Virginia Beach.
The newly renovated facility will enable CDR to serve even more children and families in our community and across the commonwealth. Our goal is to create an integrated Family Resource Center that will become a welcoming hub of community services and initiatives designed to strengthen families who need our help, improving the lives of children for decades to come.
If anyone has questions about the development of their baby or toddler, please reach out to CDR at 757-566-TOTS (757566-3300) or visit cdr.org.