Child Development and Growth


CASA Mississippi

(601) 672-4257
A non-profit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children through the development and support of court-sanctioned, community-based programs which provide trained and supervised volunteers.

Resource list: https://casams.org/programs-resources/ includes contact information for local CASA chapters.


Early Intervention (Children Younger than 3 Years)

 A program that matches the unique needs of infants and toddlers who have developmental delays, or a birth condition that could cause a developmental delay, with Early Intervention services and resources within the community.


Excel By 5

Individual certified cities provide activities for families in their areas.


Families and Advocates Partnership for Education (FAPE)

The FAMILIES AND ADVOCATES PARTNERSHIP FOR EDUCATION (FAPE) project is a partnership that links families, advocates, and self-advocates to information about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).


“Find a Doctor”- University of MS Medical Center

The University of MS Medical Center hosts a map of MS that will assist families in finding a doctor or pediatrician         

601-984-1000
2500 North State Street  Jackson, MS 


MS Council on Developmental Disabilities

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities is a body of advocates, appointed by the Governor, who promote quality of life for people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community at large.

239 North Lamar St. 1101 Robert E. Lee Building 
Jackson, MS 39201  (601) .359.6238


MS Head Start Association

Information to help you locate a Head Start program in your area.

921 N Congress St, Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 969-6979


MS State Department of Health – Licensed Child Care list

1(800) 424-2246 to speak to a Referral Specialist


Mississippi Families for Kids

1-800-241-KIDS (5437)
407 Briarwood Dr, Suite 209 Jackson, MS 39206

The mission of Mississippi Families for Kids is to ensure the permanency and well-being of children and families through the development of educational services and specialized training. 


Institute for Disability Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi

601-266-4745
118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Enhancing quality of life for Mississippians with disabilities. Through programs and services focused on early childhood inclusion and education, housing, transition to adulthood, and wellness.


State Early Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC)

Resources to find child care near your work or home, to learn more about choosing high-quality child care; information about early childhood health and development, as well as  programs and services available to you as a parent or guardian in Mississippi (including doctors and developmental screenings.) There are also links to local laws, rules, and regulations related to child care and education in Mississippi


Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi

The core foundation of the eleven child advocacy centers in Mississippi is to work collaboratively with law enforcement, medical personnel, child protective services, prosecutors, and other key professionals during the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse cases. 

1675 Lakeland Drive Suite 505
Jackson, MS 39216


Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 

A free book program that mails free books to children from birth age five in participating communities within the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Republic of Ireland. 


Canopy Children’s Solutions

1465 Lakeland Drive  Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 352-7784   (800) 388-6247(toll free)


Mississippi Department of Mental Health Children and Youth

A variety of services and supports are available for children and youth. Families who need mental help services or support for their children can call the Mississippi Department of Mental Health’s Office of Consumer Supports at 1-877-210-8513 for more information. You may also enter your zip code on http://msdmh.ongovcloud.com/public for DMH certified providers in your area.


Mississippi State University Extension Program

The MSU Extension Service offers publications, workshops, articles, and helpful tips for parents, grandparents, guardians, and childcare providers.


Online Parent Class

These courses are ideal for court requirements, legal requirements, improving personal skills, and growing as a parent. Learning effective parenting skills will not only improve your relationships with your children and co-parent(s), but also reinforce appropriate behavior in others.


Reach out and Read

We help integrate reading into pediatric practices, advise families about the importance of reading with their children, and share books that serve as a catalyst for healthy childhood development.
Resources to add to your activities at home
To find a site near you


VROOM

Daily activities parents can do with their children to build their preschool skills.