Play groups comprise a strategy that assists children who need to build social skills. In a play group, says Johanna Lantz, psychiatrist for the Columbia Developmental Neuropsychiatry Program, children with autism can develop their play from more socially advanced peers. In a social setting, these children can build upon a tendency to play alone, or solitary play, by "developing the intrinsic desire to play."
Some children also require intervention to enhance their literacy development, or ability to read and make meaning out of text, by participating in preschool. In the classroom setting, even for just a few hours a day, children between the ages of 3 and 5 get a chance to learn about print in a fun environment. For example, they can look at books, be read to, record messages and discuss print in the environment with their teacher and peers. This early exposure may make up in part for a lack of exposure to literacy in the home.
Children need good nutrition even as they build other skills for school. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service operates the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program. Mothers get vouchers for their children to go to the store and secure staple foods such as milk, cheese, beans, baby food, fruits, cereal and vegetables. To supplement your infant or toddler's diet, find out if you qualify for WIC.