By Ruxandra Manu, PsyD, LEP, ABSNP If you are a parent in California, you’ve likely seen the “First 5” ads or received their kits in the mail. You’ve probably also sat in a pediatrician’s office for a 20-minute well-check, watching the doctor check boxes for height, weight, and physical reflexes. These are wonderful, essential resources. But for many parents, they leave a lingering question: "What if my child doesn't fit into a checkbox?" As a Licensed Educational Psychologis

By Ruxandra Manu, PsyD; ABSNP; Licensed Educational Psychologist As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, I spend my days marveling at the science of early childhood. But before I am an licensed educational psychologist, I am a parent.  I know firsthand that while the science says these first five years are a "window of opportunity," for us parents, they often feel like a blur of sleepless nights, endless questions, and the occasional "Am I doing this right?" panic. I’ve been

As a parent, you want to provide your child with every possible advantage. Usually, we think of "intervention" as something that only happens when a problem arises. However, the science of child development tells a different story: The birth-to-five window isn't just a time to fix challenges—it’s the most critical period to optimize a child’s entire future. Whether your child is hitting every milestone or facing specific hurdles, working with a Licensed Educational Psychologi