1. P HYSICALLY H EALTHY, R EADY TO L EARN Guylaine L. Richard, MD, MPH

2. T HE 5 D OMAINS OF D EVELOPMENT Language and Literacy Cognition Approaches to Learning Physical health and motor development Social and Emotional Development

3. A N O UNCE OF P REVENTION BUILDS A H EALTHY F OUNDATION FOR L EARNING Young children grow, change, and develop quickly. Therefore we only have a brief opportunity to address threats to their health and development and promote wellness and healthy practices. At a minimum children require a medical evaluation, dental examination and a screening for developmental, sensory and behavioral concerns. Results from screenings, information from parents, and ongoing observations are used to assess the specific health needs of children and families. These results might also indicate the need to individualize health services for children with disabilities.

4. C OMPREHENSIVE S ERVICES E NSURE C HILDREN A RE R EADY F OR S CHOOL Promotion and prevention. Services that promote health and prevent illness and injury help children succeed in school. When children are healthy, they can focus on what they are learning. Daily child health checks. Checking children's health every day helps identify problems that have an impact on learning. Screenin g: Screening (vision, hearing, developmental and behavioral) helps determine whether a child needs additional help. Early identification puts children on track for success in school.

5. C OMPREHENSIVE S ERVICES E NSURE C HILDREN A RE R EADY F OR S CHOOL ( CONTINUED ) Early intervention and treatment. Early intervention and treatment for children with special health needs or disabilities helps them develop strategies for learning. Access to specialized professionals. Children benefit from working with staff members who are experts in disabilities, mental health, and health. These specialists provide children the necessary services to make educational progress. Individualization. Children do best when they receive support that is targeted to their needs.

6. W HY IS H EALTH S O I MPORTANT TO S CHOOL R EADINESS ? Research shows that what happens during the first five years of life is critical to healthy child development. Health and school readiness begin long before a child enters a classroom. "Striking disparities in what children know and can do are evident well before they enter kindergarten. These differences are strongly associated with social and economic circumstances and they are predictive of subsequent academic performance (Shonkoff and Phillips, 2000)." Young children who are healthy and safe are more prepared for school.

7. C HILDREN W HO A RE P HYSICALLY H EALTHY C AN F ULLY P ARTICIPATE I N L EARNING

8. W HAT DO WE MEAN BY P HYSICALLY H EALTHY ? Health Dental Health Motor Development Physical Activity Nutrition Sleep

9. H EALTH Immediate access to care Ongoing care Immunizations Partnership with parents Time spent learning leads to academic success.

10. D ENTAL H EALTH Access to a Dentist Preventative care Ongoing care, Follow-up and Treatment Partnership with parents Children with healthy teeth are better able to eat, speak, and focus on learning

11. M OTOR D EVELOPMENT Activities that get children moving build large and small muscles. Strong large and small muscles support later reading, writing, and math skills.

12. P HYSICAL A CTIVITY Children need daily exercise to be fit in both mind and body.

13. N UTRITION Children who eat nutritious food during every meal stay healthy and have energy to learn.

14. S LEEP When children get a good night's sleep, they can pay attention, remember what they learn, and manage their feelings (Owens et. al., 2012).

16. M ENTAL H EALTH Mental health means that young children are growing in their ability to:  understand and share feelings  have close and positive relationships  explore and learn

17. Having Positive Mental Health Makes It Easier for Children to:  Have close relationships with family and friends  Do well in school  Learn new things  Solve tough problems  Develop patience (or not give up)  Focus on a task  Ask for help

18. W HEN Y OUNG C HILDREN A RE W ORRIED, S AD, OR A NGRY, I T C AN B E H ARD T O : Make friends Follow directions Express feelings or wishes Follow simple directions Pay attention in class Solve problems in positive ways Do well in school

19. S IMPLE THINGS TO DO TO BUILD MENTALLY H EALTHY CHILDREN Hold the baby during feedings Look at the baby and smile, smile, smile! Talk about what you are doing Try to relax and have fun Read and sing to baby every day Take care of yourself Make sure they always feel safe” Offer choices Practice patience Show understanding Leave extra time Play together Follow child’s interest Praise your child when she keeps trying Practice following directions For an Infant For a Toddler/ Preschooler

20. P ARTNERING WITH PARENTS TO ENSURE CHILDREN ARE HEALTHY AND READY TO LEARN How can we partner with parents? Engage Parents in activities planned around health and mental health (i.e. health fair, sharing screening results) Schedule workshops for parents around health and mental health issues. Share information. Develop health plan with parents for their children Inform parents timely of any concern Support parents with accessing health and mental health services Collaborate with community health and mental health partners to assist parents with their needs

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24. F OR A DDITIONAL I NFORMATION P LEASE C ONTACT : D R. G UYLAINE L. R ICHARD (561) 542-4630 OR : GUYERICHARD @ GMAIL. COM