At SAU 90, we welcome and invite 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 early learning happens wherever babies are, and 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 wonderful 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 organizations in Hampton 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. I look forward to hearing from you. pbaker@sau21.org (603) 926-8992 x117

Centre School Resources-Childfind and Preschool information

  • Childfind: if you have any questions about your child’s development and would like to request a screening, contact Patrice Baker, Early Intervention Outreach Specialist at 603-926-8992 x 117 

  • Preschool at Centre School: information and registration

Developmental Milestones and Brain-Building Tips

  • Supporting Early Literacy: tools from the The Children’s Reading Foundation

  • Social emotional development in young children: why it matters and what to do

  • Developmental milestones: “what should my child be doing at this age?”

  • Vroom Tips™ help you do more with everyday moments. Add learning to mealtime, bathtime, bedtime, or anytime with 1,000+ fun, free activities. There is an app too!

  • Zero to Three: resources focused on the first three years of life –which are the most important for lifelong mental health and well-being.

  • Parentchildhelp.org- parenting blog and info on topics ranging from sleep to daily routines to tantrums (sign up for the newsletter)

  • Lane Library: story time, playing, reading, and other fun family events

  • Hampton Recreation: early childhood programs


If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development

Community Resources

  • Hampton Community Coalition: all-volunteer nonprofit community action group working to improve the health and well-being of Hampton Area children and families, particularly those caught in difficult life transitions or without a permanent home.

  • Food Security Resources- local foodbanks

  • McKinney Vento liaison if you need support with housing. Contact Emily Fixler, MSW at efixler@sau90.org

  • Annie's Angels help 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. 

  • Child Care Aware of NH a statewide child care resource and referral program that provides free referrals tailored to meet each family's needs

  • Family Connections Center -free family supports and services for those with an incarcerated loved one

  • Southern New Hampshire Services- resources for child care, nutrition, education, workforce, housing, fuel to help families with economic independence