Early childhood

At SAU 21, we welcome all children –and their families – to be part of our school community, and we especially want to include our smallest and youngest learners! We know that the foundation for lifelong learning, health and well-being are built during these critical EARLY years.

Babies and toddlers learn best through loving, consistent relationships with their primary caregivers, and these supportive interactions literally shape the architecture of the developing brain. The active ingredient is the “serve and return” process where repeated positive experiences create more connections in the brain. Watch this short video to see what serve and return looks like in real life. Notice how the dad and the baby go back and forth mimicking each other’s responses. This kind of interaction actually helps build a baby’s brain!

Other helpful resources for families of young children are linked on this page. We are collaborating with community partners in Seabrook to create a web of support for young children and their parents, grandparents and caregivers. When we all work together, we can build the strongest foundation possible for babies and young children to learn, grow and thrive…and be ready for kindergarten!

Please contact Patrice Baker, Early Intervention Outreach Specialist, if you have any questions, concerns or ideas. pbaker@sau21.org (603) 926-8992 x117

Seabrook Preschool Information

Preschool at Seabrook Elementary: contact Patrice at pbaker@sau21.org or (603)926-8992 ext.117
Head Start in Seabrook: contact Kris at klang@snhs.org or (603) 474-3507

Child Development…and if you have concerns

Developmental milestones and Online Checklists: “what should my child be doing at this age?”
How to talk to your child’s doctor about your concerns
Early Intervention- Birth To age 3: Family Centered Early Supports & Services: for young children who have, or are at risk for, developmental delay. Waypoint at Richie McFarland Center. Tel: 603-518-4002
Parent Information Center support for families with children/youth with disabilities and/or special health care needs
One Sky: support for children with developmental disabilities or acquired brain disorders Tel: 603-436-6111 1
Fact sheets on specific disabilities from The Center for Parent Information and Resources
If you have concerns about your child’s development, contact Patrice Baker, Early Intervention Outreach Specialist. pbaker@sau21.org
Maneuvering the Maze : a Resource Guide for NH families with children with special health care needs/disabilities

Early Literacy and “Friendship” Skills

Seabrook Library: Storytime, Babytime, parent Cafe and other family events
Early Literacy: helpful tools from the The Children’s Reading Foundation
Social Emotional Development in young children: why it matters and what to do
Zero to Three: resources focused on the first three years of life – the foundation for lifelong learning, health and well-being.
Vroom Tips™ help you do more with everyday moments. Add learning to mealtime, bathtime, bedtime, or anytime. There is a free app too.

Parenting Support and Enrichment for young children

ParentGuidance.org- Free 1-1, confidential, online Parent Coaching for SAU 21 families
Seabrook Recreation Dept. - early childhood programs at the Seabrook Community Center
Parentchildhelp.org- parenting blog, newsletter, and info on topics ranging from sleep to daily routines to tantrums
Seacoast Kids Calendar - fun family happenings around the Seacoast

Community Resources - for housing, food, etc.

Southern New Hampshire Services- resources for child care, nutrition, education, workforce, housing, fuel to help families with economic independence
WIC- for fathers, mothers, grandparents, foster parents or guardians of children under five- for access to nutrition education, support and nutritious foods
Gather - mobile food markets, fresh food bus, and other programs- free, nutritious food - open to all
Housing support and homelessness- Contact Jess Cormier, McKinney Vento Liaison jcormier@sau21.org
Annie's Angels help for New Hampshire families struggling financially through a life-threatening disease, illness or disability.
Step Up Parents provide financial assistance to grandparents/kinship caregivers raising children of parents with substance use disorder.
I Got Bridged focused on bridging the gap for people in need on the Seacoast.
Family Connections Center -free family supports and services for those with an incarcerated loved one.
Child Care Aware of NH a statewide child care resource and referral program that provides free referrals tailored to meet each family's needs.