The prenatal period of growth and development is critical to optimal child development in the first three years of life and beyond. From conception to age three, human development occurs more rapidly then at any other time in life. Fetal development, like all stages of development, is progressive, involves critical periods, and benefits from supportive practices administered through a range of supports and services offered as early as possible. Inadequate prenatal care is associated with a host of health and developmental problems - low birth weight, premature delivery, birth defects, poor growth. Furthermore, these babies are at an increased risk of learning, social, and behavioral problems. Thus, Early Head Start (EHS) is poised to make a significant and longlasting impact on the future of America's most vulnerable children. More>> [PDF, 1.27MB]