Early Childhood (Ages 0-4)

PROGRAMS

PLAYGROUPS

We have playgroups specific to children ages birth - 3 years the first weekend of every month. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents in our community in a more intimate, in-home setting.

NEW FAMILY GATHERINGS

Twice a year, we have New Family Gatherings. These events are a little larger, and help connect families new to DSNMC. If you are interested in our upcoming gatherings, email newfamilies@dsnmc.org or call 301-979-1112.

RESOURCES

We have attempted to create a comprehensive and inclusive list of resources to support caregivers in finding age specific programs and services. These resources may include but are not limited to educational programs, support groups, parenting guides, financial grants and assistance, community and recreational programs, and health and wellness services.

Infants and Toddlers Program - a local system of early intervention services for children birth through thirty-four and a half months of age and their families.
Child Find - provides free developmental screenings for children from three years of age until kindergarten.
Speech and Language Services - provide service to students with communication disorders involving articulation, fluency, oral language, or voice. Services range from consultation to direct intervention and are provided for children from birth to age 21.
Vision Services - supports and services to students who are blind and visually impaired (ages birth-21).
Milestone Chart - Developmental Milestones Comparison
National Association for Dual Diagnosis - promotes leadership in the expansion of knowledge, training, policy, and advocacy for mental health practices that promote a quality life for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions (IDD/MI) in their communities.
How to find Inclusive Child Care Checklist
Early Intervention Services: Parent IFSP Checklist
Preschool Education Program (PEP) - serves children with delays in multiple developmental domains that impact the child’s ability to learn. The continuum of services includes an itinerant model for children in community-based child care settings and preschools, an inclusive model in selected MCPS general education pre-K classes, and self-contained classes.
Behavior and Down Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Parents
The Arc Montgomery County - supports over 600 children, youth, adults and families by providing child care, work skills training, employment opportunities, community living services, resources, advocacy and respite care.
Grief Support for Children with Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
The Parents' Place of Maryland - offers a variety of programs and services that continue to support families of children with disabilities and special health care needs.
Treatment and Learning Center - provides services to meet the ever-expanding different needs of adults and children.
MOCO Movement Center - helps your child achieve better functional outcomes. By taking evidence-based pediatric therapy out of the clinic and integrating it into real life activities, no child misses out on social engagement while they spend time in therapy.
Children’s National Medical Center - Down syndrome Clinic - a dedicated Down syndrome clinic in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network - DSDN - is the largest national organization supporting new and expectant parents with a Down syndrome diagnosis.
Parent Encouragement Program - helps parents and caregivers build strong and harmonious family relationships so that children grow up in a supportive environment fostering the critical values of respect, cooperation, responsibility, and competence.
Black Down Syndrome Association - provides Black families with the resources and support they need for their loved ones with Down Syndrome.
Breastfeeding and Down Syndrome (Book)
La Leche League - helps parents, families, and communities to breastfeed, chestfeed, and human milk feed their babies through parent-to-parent support. LLL USA encourages, informs, educates, supports, and promotes the use of human milk and the intimate relationship and development that comes from nursing a child for as long as mutually desired.
Karasik Family, Infant & Child Care Center
Kenny Krieger - Down Syndrome Clinic and Research Center - provides interdisciplinary and comprehensive evaluations and services from birth to adulthood to patients from all over the United States.
Montgomery County Recreation Department - Swim Lessons - offers instruction for all ages and swimming abilities, whether you’re a beginner learning the basic principles or a seasoned swimmer seeking to improve the strokes you know.
My Turn Program - provides funding for community activities (e.g. swimming, horseback riding, etc.) for Montgomery County residents ages 3 to 13 with a developmental disability