Early Childhood Intervention Toolkit

Ages 1 - 4 Years

When a child has a congenital heart defect (CHD), the early childhood years can be exciting but also overwhelming. Kids are usually growing and changing rapidly, and often undergo disruptive medical treatments. Sometimes, parents struggle to find time to focus on development. Here, we've highlighted the most important developmental interventions for young children with heart defects. By focusing just on these services, you can meet the developmental needs of your child.

A small child with a congenital heart defect (CHD) reaches out to move large wooden beads on an abacus toy.

Motor services

Young children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) can often make faster progress if they receive professional intervention to build strength, coordination, and balance.

A mom and dad sit on a picnic blanket on a green grass field with their daughter, who has a congenital heart defect (CHD) and a full head of curly hair, and is blowing a dandelion.

Cognitive services

These interventions can give young children the boost they need to develop their thinking, learning, and understanding.

A dad leans over his young son, who has a congenital heart defect (CHD), braids, and a white shirt, as both laugh.

Learning services

These services and interventions can help young children learn the skills they will need in order to enter formal schooling.

A toddler with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and black hair squats next to a yellow puppy and blows a kiss.

Social skills services

These interventions can help young children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) to build their social understanding and social skills.

Two toddler boys with congenital heart defects (CHDs) and brown curly hair sit in front of a row of corn, talking to each other.

Language services

Young children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) can get help in building their capacity to use and understand language.

A girl with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and black curly hair wears a gray jumpsuit and blows bubbles on a paved path, while her father leans over her.

Emotional services

Young children can have a hard time understanding and managing their emotions, and responding to the emotions of others. These interventions can help build their early emotional intelligence.

A baby with a congenital heart defect is wrapped in a fleece blanket, and looks up at the camera.

Developmental Care

Developmental Care is a set of practices that can improve outcomes for hospitalized babies. Learn how Developmental Care could help your baby.

A baby with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and black hair wheres a green and yellow hoodie and sits at a table, looking up.

Early Intervention (EI)

Early Intervention is a program for young children (ages 0, 1, 2) at risk of developmental delays, and nearly all children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) to receive this critical service.

Daniel Tiger congenital heart defect CHD preschool curriculum cover.

Daniel Tiger preschool curriculum

This curriculum helps preschool and pre-Kindergarten teachers create an inclusive and welcoming environment for children with heart defects and their families.

A woman wearing pink scrubs holds a baby with a congenital heart defect (CHD) on his stomach on a blue cylinder.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Some young children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) qualify for Head Start or Early Head Start, and can receive developmental interventions including daycare and preschool.

A little boy with a congenital heart defect (CHD) stands with his hands in his pockets, wearing blue shorts and a navy cardigan sweater.

Enrolling in preschool

Preschool can be an important intervention for many kids with congenital heart defects (CHDs), and can help to prepare them for Kindergarten.

A mother and a little boy with a congenital heart defect (CHD) sit at a low wooden desk, drawing with crayons on a paper.

Preschool Special Education

Young children with disabilities can often qualify for free public preschool or other services. Here's more information about this critical intervention.

A man with blond hair and a brown shirt sits on the ground at a low table, playing a game with his blond daughter, who has a congenital heart defect (CHD).

Psychotherapy for kids with heart defects

Kids with heart defects sometimes struggle to manage their thoughts and feelings. Therapy can help. Here's how.

A toddler girl with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and brown curly hair holds her hands over her mouth.

Speech and language therapy for young children

Young children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) sometimes have trouble understanding and using language, and/or eating and drinking. Speech and language therapy can often help.

A baby with a congenital heart defect (CHD) wears a white shirt and lies on a white blanket on her side, while an adult gently cups her body.

Physical therapy for babies and toddlers

Babies and toddlers with congenital heart defects (CHDs) often need physical therapy (PT) in order to build strength and coordination in their bodies.

A little girl with a congenital heart defect (CHD) wears a pink shirt and puts colored wooden pegs in a pegboard.

Occupational therapy for young children

Toddlers and preschoolers with congenital heart defects (CHDs) frequently benefit from occupational therapy to help them learn the skills they need to engage fully in activities at home and at preschool.