Using the CDC as a Trusted Resource for Early Intervention

Welcome back to the series on navigating the wonderful world of early intervention resources. Today, we’re taking a closer look at a familiar friend: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Like many of you, I primarily associate the CDC with disease control – such as measles and COVID. But check out their page National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD).

National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

The NCBDDD was established by Congress in 1997 with a specific mission:

“strengthen systems for public health surveillance, intervention, and prevention of birth defects and developmental disabilities.”

NCBDDD

They achieve this mission through a variety of resources, including:

• Fact sheets and publications: Covering a wide range of topics related to child development and disabilities, these resources are clear, concise, and packed with evidence-based information.
• Developmental milestones checklists in MULTIPLE LANGUAGES: These handy checklists help parents track their child’s progress and identify any potential areas of concern.
• The “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign: This national campaign aims to raise awareness of developmental milestones and empower parents and caregivers to seek help if they have concerns.

The quality of the CDC’s resources is widely recognized. The American Academy of Pediatrics, for example, highlights the CDC’s developmental milestones checklists as a trusted resource for parents.

Reliable Health Information for Early Intervention

So, how does this translate to the world of early intervention? The CDC’s child development resources are useful for both families and professionals.

• Families: Reliable information empowers parents and caregivers to be active participants in their child’s development. The CDC’s resources provide a roadmap for seeking help if needed.
• Professionals: From developmental checklists to the latest research findings, the CDC offers a wealth of information to support early intervention professionals in their work with children and families.

Remember, knowledge is power, and the CDC is a fantastic resource for anyone invested in the healthy development of all children.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, December 17). National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 31). Learn the Signs. Act Early.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021, October 28). Developmental Milestones.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Child Development. Accessed November 14, 2025.