Parenting Resources

Most parents could use some guidance from time to time - whether it's about handling tantrums, establishing routines or boundaries, or how to discuss difficult world events. The following resources, websites, and services below are utilized by hundreds of families around Iowa. Please explore these links or contact our team if you need some support. 

AnswerLine

AnswerLine provides information and resources for Iowa consumers with home and family questions. Professional family and consumer scientists can answer questions about child development, home environment, food safety, and more. 

CDC's Developmental Milestones

Track your child's first five years of development with the milestone checklists from the CDC. 

ChildServe

ChildServe improves the health and well-being of nearly 4,500 children each year through specialized clinical, home, and community-based programs and services. They are are experts in pediatric rehabilitation and care for children and young adults who have a wide variety of developmental delays, disabilities, acquired injuries, and other special healthcare needs.

Child Mind Institute: Family Resource Center

Find information to help you support children who are stuffling with mental health, behavior, or learning challenges.

Heartland AEA - Early ACCESS

Early ACCESS is Iowa’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers under 3 years old who are not developing as expected or who have a medical condition that can delay typical development. Families and Early ACCESS staff work together to identify, coordinate and provide needed services and resources that help families assist their infants and toddlers in their growth and development.

Just in Time Parenting

The Just in Time Parenting site highlights information and strategies identified by researchers as those most crucial to helping children thrive - promoting healthy growth and development, preparing children for school success, reinforcing positive parenting behaviors and affirming healthy interpersonal and family relationships.

Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI)

LSI provides a variety of programs ranging from early childhood education to behavioral and mental health services.

The Science of Parenting

Presented by Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, The Science of Parenting provides parents with the most current research around child-rearing, including information about child development, nutrition, guidance, discipline and more. 

Youth Standing Strong (YSS)

YSS provides mental and behavioral health services for youth and their families in central Iowa. Their comprehensive programs serve children, from newborns through young adults, as well as their families.

ZERO TO THREE

Find tools and information designed to support parents in developing their own ways to promote their child's growth and development, based on the belief that parents are the true experts on their children, and that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to raising children.