Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (CHS) is implementing North Carolina’s new Evidence Based Service Plan (EBSP) to improve timely access to family…
The early years of a child’s life are some of the most important and often the most overwhelming for parents.
Questions about feeding, sleep, behavior, and development can feel constant. And while pediatric visits provide critical medical care, they don’t always leave enough time to address everything parents are navigating day to day.
That’s where CHS’s HealthySteps program makes a difference.
What Is HealthySteps?
HealthySteps is a free program that provides parenting support and child development guidance during pediatric visits.
Through this program, trained HealthySteps Specialists work directly within pediatric offices to support families of young children helping parents feel more confident and informed every step of the way.
HealthySteps provides tailored support for common and complex concerns that physicians often lack time to address, such as: behavior, sleep, feeding, attachment, parental depression, social determinants of health, and adapting to life with a baby or toddler.
HealthySteps focuses on children in their earliest years, when development is happening rapidly and support can make the biggest impact.
How Does HealthySteps Work?
HealthySteps is designed to meet families where they already are: at their child’s doctor’s office.
What to Expect
- One-on-one support during well-child visits
- Guidance on child development, behavior, sleep, and nutrition
- Help understanding developmental screenings
- Connections to community resources and services
- Access to a family support line between visits
By embedding support into routine care, HealthySteps makes it easier for families to get the help they need without adding extra appointments or barriers.
Who Is HealthySteps For?
HealthySteps supports:
- Parents and caregivers of young children
- Families attending pediatric well-visits
- Caregivers looking for guidance on child development or parenting
The program is currently available in Guilford County through participating pediatric practices.
What Support Do Families Receive?
HealthySteps goes beyond medical care to support the full experience of parenting.
Common Topics Include:
- Infant feeding and nutrition
- Sleep routines and challenges
- Behavioral development and emotional regulation
- Adjusting to life with a new baby
- Milestone tracking and early development
Specialists also help connect families to services that support mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Why Early Childhood Support Matters
The first few years of life shape a child’s future health, learning, and development.
HealthySteps helps families:
- Build strong, positive parent-child relationships
- Identify and address concerns early
- Access resources that reduce stress and increase stability
By strengthening parents, we strengthen children and ultimately, entire communities.
Proven Outcomes
HealthySteps delivers measurable results for families:
- Parents report greater confidence in their parenting skills
- Children experience improved health and safety outcomes
- Families build stronger, more positive relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a HealthySteps Specialist do?
A HealthySteps Specialist provides guidance on parenting and child development, helps families understand screenings, and connects them to helpful resources.
Is HealthySteps free?
Yes. HealthySteps is offered at no cost to families through participating pediatric practices.
Do I need to sign up separately?
In most cases, support is included as part of your child’s regular pediatric visits.
What age children does HealthySteps serve?
HealthySteps focuses on infants and young children during their earliest developmental years.
A Simpler Way to Get Support
Parenting does not come with a roadmap but it should come with support.
HealthySteps removes common barriers by providing trusted guidance in a place families already know and trust. It turns routine doctor visits into opportunities for deeper connection, learning, and confidence-building.
Building Strong Starts for Every Child
At CHS, we believe strong starts lead to strong futures.
HealthySteps reflects that belief by supporting families when it matters most early, consistently, and with care.
Because when parents feel confident, children thrive.
Get Connected
If you are in Guilford County, ask your pediatric provider if they offer HealthySteps or contact CHS to learn more about getting connected.
Support is closer than you think—and it starts at your next visit.