The Stars Come Out, Shine in ‘Your Child’

If you don’t know that the first three years of life are crucial in a child’s development, or how parents can help in that blossoming, you’ll have a good idea by the end of tonight’s celebrity-laden documentary, “I Am Your Child.”

Directed and co-written by Rob Reiner, the ABC program is a combination of star power, “entertainment-lite” and documentary footage about early child development and informed parenting. Tom Hanks hosts; others who perform briefly include Robin Williams, Roseanne, Rosie O’Donnell, Colin Powell, Charlton Heston and Martin Short.

Even President Clinton and the First Lady make a Joe and Jane Citizen appearance, in a “casual” chat about bringing up Chelsea.

The big-name humor is forgettable, with the notable exception of a reunion between Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks’ “2000-Year-Old Man.” But the juxtaposition of new research on infant and toddler brain development and a look at parental support programs that have helped three Hampton, Va. families is important and thought-provoking.

Hampton community leaders laud the programs that do seem to strengthen families through prenatal care, the teaching of parenting skills--both practical and emotional--day care, job training and counseling.

The dearth of such programs nationwide that would enable more children to thrive in the crucial early years inspires one comedy bit with real bite: A Roseanne rant about the disparity between the money spent on family support networks and on the criminal justice system.

* “I Am Your Child” airs at 8 tonight on ABC (Channels 7, 3). The network has given the program a rating of TV-PG (may not be suitable for young children).