Key points
- Early care and education (ECE) providers support children's development by helping them learn, explore, and get along with others.
- This type of support is particularly important for children who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences and factors that put them at a disadvantage.
Child development and screening
ECE providers can monitor children's developmental milestones and help them build other needed skills. ECE programs can make a difference in children's development that can last a lifetime.
Children who need additional support because they are at risk for or have developmental delays or disabilities can receive needed services and early intervention from ECE providers, whether in childcare centers, family home care programs, or through home visit services.
Content Source
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: August 20, 2026
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
Reviewed: August 20, 2026
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.