Early Childhood Development

The importance of early childhood development is recognized by families, researchers, policymakers and community services providers — and so is the complexity of understanding, supporting and providing those essential resources to promote infants and young children’s optimal growth. Families with young children are challenged to balance work and parenting responsibilities, and increasing numbers of families need childcare for their infants and young children. The quality of that care influences children’s overall development and emotional well-being. Economic hardship adds significant stress to children’s lives, when families’ access to health care, high-quality early care and education, safe neighborhoods, stable housing, and other supports are limited.

“Data from Kids Count”, a publication of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, graphically demonstrates that these concerns are significant in the Richmond area. In comparison to other Virginia communities, Richmond ranks high in births to teenage mothers, infant mortality and babies with low birth weight, as well as young children living in poverty who have elevated lead levels, asthma hospitalizations and lower early literacy skills at school entry.

Numerous state and community programs are working to address these needs, and VCU faculty, staff and students collaborate in early intervention programs, policy formulation, efficacy studies and professional development. With diverse disciplines that span these complex issues, VCU is committed to early childhood development research, teaching and service, and contributing to the lives of young children and their families.