Child Development Programme

Hands up if you agree! ✋

“Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement, and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent.” Bob Keeshan

We believe that parents are their children’s first teachers. By working closely with families of children from birth to age 5, we support parents in Bermuda through the most critical stage of their children’s development.

Register your child for a free developmental screening!

Available for children between the ages of 18 and 48 months, our free screening evaluates your child’s progress in behaviour, movement, learning and communication.

There are several ways to register:

1. Online at forms.gov.bm/CDPform
2. Call 478-3333
3. Email [email protected]
4. Hand deliver a printed form to 30 Victoria St., Ground Floor, Hamilton

Once your child is registered, an Early Childhood Screening Specialist will contact you to schedule an appointment. The screening can be conducted at your child’s home, daycare or CDP.

Meet our Early Intervention Specialist, Azaria Smith!

In her role, Azaria supports families with a variety of developmental concerns, including tantrums and emotional regulation, attention, following instructions, social and emotional well-being, communication, routines, school-based support and potty training.

Before joining CDP in August, Azaria was a Psychological Therapist at Solstice, where she supported children, teens and young adults with a range of mental experiences, including neurodivergence, social anxiety and trauma. She was also heavily involved in running Solstice’s Belonging Centered and Empowerment groups, which helped neurodivergent children and children with social communication difficulties to connect meaningfully with their peers.

Azaria holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with a focus in Health and Disease, and a double minor in Psychology and Immunology. She also holds a Masters in Health Psychology. Since joining CDP, she has completed SCERTS and ADOS training, including the toddler module.

Did you know that May is Maternal Mental Health Month?

This observance raises awareness of perinatal and postpartum mental health concerns so people can recognise the symptoms of maternal mental illness and seek appropriate treatment.

A mother’s mental health can have lasting impacts on her child. CDP takes a full-family approach to early childhood development, offering services to the entire families of children below the age of five.

If you need support with your mental health as a new mother, please talk to your doctor immediately. For ongoing support, please email us at [email protected] to learn more about our free family counselling services.

Everybody needs love! ❤️

In early childhood, love is incredibly important for development. Your baby seeks love and affection from birth. A secure attachment helps your baby gain the confidence to explore and learn.

As you go through your day, find ways to show love to your baby. Cuddles, holding, undivided attention, and words of affirmation make your baby feel loved and secure in your attachment.

If you could use support for your relationship with your young child, we can help. Email us at [email protected] to learn more about our free services.

Why do we recommend open-ended art for young children?

While predefined art projects with select colours and pre-cut shapes may be cute, they don’t let children fully explore their imaginations and use their creativity.

When young children create open-ended art, they are constantly making choices, experimenting with colours, textures, shapes, techniques, ideas and self-expression.

Try giving your child a sheet of paper and a selection of paint colours and brushes to see what creativity will flow onto the page!

Why do we love when young children work together?

Whether your child is working with other children or with caregivers, there is ample opportunity for development!

Swipe to see some of the skills your child can develop by working with others.

Cooking with your child is an excellent learning opportunity!

In addition to spending quality time together, you are helping your child to develop several skills.

As you talk through each step and name the ingredients, your child is learning new words and language skills.

Your child learns about mathematical concepts like counting, fractions and measurement as you follow the recipe.

Working together and waiting patiently for the food to be ready are useful social emotional skills.

Which meals do you like to cook with your young child?