Grantee Spotlight: Child Development Resources Offers a Two-Generation Approach to Improving Health

By: WHF Staff

Every child deserves a strong start in life, but for some, challenges begin before they take their first step. For children with developmental delays or disabilities, the early years can set the course for their entire lives. Recognizing this, Child Development Resources (CDR) has provided early childhood intervention services to children and their families in Greater Williamsburg since 1965. CDR’s early identification and intervention services can significantly enhance a child’s ability to learn new skills, build resilience, and succeed.

Originally established as the Williamsburg Preschool for Special Children, CDR was founded by a group of citizens to address the lack of education programs for community children with developmental delays or disabilities. At that time, public schools could refuse to accept children with developmental delays, and it wasn’t until Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act in November 1975 that children with disabilities were guaranteed the right to a free and appropriate education. In response to the new law, the organization changed their name to Child Development Resources and shifted their focus to providing services to infants and toddlers and training for childcare professionals.

Today, CDR serves about 3,100 children and their families in Greater Williamsburg and Poquoson through 10 programs. Their two-generation approach supports the child and provides skill-building for the parents and caregivers. CDR’s 85 specialists provide a variety of services from physical, speech, and occupational therapy to helping parents find community resources such as housing, healthcare, and nutrition assistance.

CDR’s work aligns with WHF’s Strategic Plan by targeting behavioral and social risk factors that influence the health of individuals throughout the life span. WHF is a longtime supporter of CDR. Since 1997, the Foundation has awarded 90 grants totaling over $5.2 million to help CDR advance their mission and purpose “to inspire and empower children, families, and early childhood professionals to reach their full potential, whatever their challenges.”

CDR recently began renovations on a new facility off Waller Mill Road in Williamsburg to consolidate their four locations and five buildings into one centralized Family Resource Center. The new facility, expected to open in March 2026, will allow CDR to provide wrap-around, comprehensive, and coordinated services to more children. WHF is pleased to support CDR’s efforts to bring its services under one roof.

To learn more about CDR’s programs or the status of their new facility, visit their website: www.cdr.org.

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The Williamsburg Health Foundation (WHF) is a private health foundation with the mission to collaborate, innovate, and invest to impact systems that improve the health and well-being of individuals living in Greater Williamsburg. The Foundation was established in September 1996 when the Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara developed an affiliation agreement and later merged. This agreement included a provision for a new, locally organized, and managed Foundation to benefit community health. Since inception, WHF has awarded over $110 million in grants to improve community health and well-being.