Early Intervention Awareness: The Critical First Three Years and Baby Safety
September is Baby Safety Month, a time when parents and caregivers focus on creating secure environments for their youngest family members. At the Trudeau Center, we recognize that true safety for babies and toddlers extends beyond childproofing homes and includes ensuring children receive developmental support during the most critical learning period of their lives: the first three years.
The first three years of life represent an extraordinary window of opportunity for brain development. During this time, a child’s brain forms more than one million neural connections every second, creating the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health. For children with developmental delays or disabilities, Early Intervention services during this crucial period can make a profound difference in their long-term outcomes.
“The brain’s remarkable plasticity during the first three years means that early intervention can literally reshape a child’s developmental trajectory,” explains Jacqueline Ferreira, Director of Early Intervention at the Trudeau Center. “When we provide targeted support during this critical window, we’re addressing current challenges while simultaneously building the neurological foundation that will support a child’s growth and learning for years to come.”
Recognizing the Need for Early Support
While every child develops at their own pace, certain markers can help parents and caregivers identify when additional support might be beneficial. By 12 months, most children begin to say their first words and take their first steps. By 24 months, they typically combine two words and follow simple instructions. By 36 months, children usually speak in short sentences and engage in pretend play.
“When children miss these milestones or show delays in communication, motor skills, cognitive development, or social interaction, Early Intervention services can provide crucial support,” Ferriera says.” The beauty of Early Intervention lies in its family-centered approach. Parents and caregivers become partners in their child’s development and learn strategies they can integrate into their daily routines.”
The Trudeau Center’s Early Intervention Approach
Trudeau’s Early Intervention program serves children from birth to three years old, using a coaching model that empowers families to support their child’s development naturally throughout each day. Rather than pulling children out of their familiar environments, our specialists work within homes and community settings, recognizing that learning happens best in the context of meaningful relationships and everyday activities.
“Our approach recognizes that parents are their child’s first and most important teachers,” says Andre Bessette, Ph.D., Vice President of Children’s Services at the Trudeau Center. “We provide families with tools and strategies they can use during meal time, play time, bath time, or any moment that presents an opportunity for learning and connection. This natural integration of therapeutic techniques into daily life helps children develop skills more effectively while strengthening family bonds.”
Building Strong Foundations for Future Success
Early Intervention services address multiple areas of development simultaneously. For a child with communication delays, specialists might work on both verbal and non-verbal communication skills while also supporting social interaction and play skills. For children with motor delays, intervention might focus on movement patterns that support both physical development and cognitive growth.
The evidence supporting Early Intervention is compelling. Research consistently shows that children who receive these services demonstrate better outcomes in school readiness, social skills, and independence. For families, Early Intervention provides not only practical support but also hope and confidence in their ability to help their child thrive.
Creating Safety Through Early Support
Baby Safety Month reminds us that true safety goes beyond locks and gates. Protecting children also means nurturing their growth. Just as we guard against falls and hazards, Early Intervention shields children from the long-term impact of untreated delays. When families act early, they’re opening doors to brighter possibilities for their child’s future.
For families navigating concerns about their child’s development, the Trudeau Center’s Early Intervention program offers comprehensive support during these critical first three years. Through evidence-based practices, family coaching, and a deep commitment to each child’s unique potential, we help create the strong foundations that will support lifelong learning and growth.
The first three years are indeed critical, but they’re also filled with incredible possibility. With the right support at the right time, every child can build the skills they need to reach their full potential and have the brightest future possible.
