how Dayton Children's is nurturing early development

As children journey through their early years, the support they receive significantly shapes their development path.  Recognizing this, Dayton Children’s Hospital offers a range of programs and services tailored to nurture the growth of children.  Access to these services prepares children for the world ahead and lays a foundation for their well-being.  

Access to programs catering to prenatal to age five range is vital for ensuring that children enter kindergarten prepared to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Dayton Children's as well as community organizations play an important role in providing comprehensive support to families during these years. 

Read below to learn more about the initiatives currently available at Dayton Children’s and how they can help children have healthier lives and futures. 

Prenatal care 

Prenatal care sets the stage for a healthy start in life. Here at Dayton Children’s Hospital, our community health workers (CHWs), part of the Dayton Regional Pathways HUB, serve as a vital resource connecting pregnant families to medical and social services for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.  CHWs play a crucial role in guiding expectant mothers through the healthcare system, providing support, education, and access to essential services, such as prenatal care.   

Children’s health  

Immunizations and well-child visits are essential components of early childhood healthcare.  Well-child visits are an opportunity to provide critical guidance for children, provide immunizations, and identify and illnesses or treatment needs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have developed guidelines for well-childcare and have provided a schedule of screenings and assessments at each visit. These visits, also help to foster strong relationships between parents, children, and their pediatricians. 

Education and development programs 

At Dayton Children’s, we also offer a range of programs and services that are tailored to help infants and children grow. These include: 

• Zero to Three: Healthy Steps, an evidence-based program that promotes health, well-being and school readiness of babies and toddlers. 

• Imagination Library: This program a love for reading by providing free and age-appropriate books for children from birth to age 5. Sign up today to start getting books delivered to your home!