There are many factors that influence a child’s ability to enter school ready to succeed. Pediatric and family health is an area that underlies all efforts related to academic achievement - a child must be healthy in order to learn.
A mother’s access to prenatal care, access to a regular and affordable source of primary health care for mothers, infants and children, and health insurance coverage are just a few factors that contribute to the healthy development of a child.
These services provide early detection and intervention for concerns that could lead to problems later in a child’s physical, developmental and mental health, all of which can affect academic performance.
The Great Start Collaborative of Jackson County believes that supporting the healthy development of young children, starting with prenatal health and continuing throughout early childhood with on-time well child visits, health screenings and immunizations will pay very large dividends in the future.
Children who get a healthy start in life are more likely to do well in school and grow to be healthy adults. This represents a cost savings to the community due to reduced costs associated with health care and other public assistance. Because of this, Great Start is focused on promoting the healthy development of young children in our community by:
-
Working with community partners to increase awareness of issues impacting the health of our youngest children
-
Educating parents on the importance of regular check-ups with a primary care physician
-
Advocating at the local and state level to ensure young children have access to affordable, quality health care services
Helpful Links
