According to national polls, parents feel that pediatricians are the most trusted sources of information about their children.

Over the past few years, The Early Years Institute, in collaboration with early childhood, mental health and parenting organizations, began to identify information to help pediatricians respond to questions from parents, relatives and caregivers. We interviewed pediatricians in private practice and those in health clinics; we also interviewed parents in the waiting room to learn about what kinds of information they wanted. It therefore becomes

Pediatricians know that it is critical to go beyond typical health concerns and address the social and emotional development of children and families. We then searched the country to find the best materials on issues related to child development, early literacy, mental health (for both children and parents), and special needs. We also have lists of local resources to which pediatricians can refer the children and families in their care. We are now in the position of helping meet the needs of the 3,000 pediatricians across Long Island to enhance the support they give to families.

We are excited to be working with two of our board members, Doreen Miller of Parenting Matters and Dr. Warren Rosenfeld of Winthrop University Hospital, to explore residency training modules and other pediatric supports for parents. As we move this project forward, we envision the involvement of numerous health care institutions and professionals, that will mean a greater start for children and new parents across our region.