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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Michelle Terry, MD, Pediatrics, University of Washington - UW MEDICINE Kent/DesMoines Clinic, 23213 Pacific Highway South, Kent, WA 98032, 206-520-1421, wmterry@msn.com

A growing body of research shows that the path to school success starts at birth. Education experts now report an achievement gap is largely the consequence of a preparation gap, in that advanced skills build on basic skills in all aspects of cognitive and social development. Early nurturing and stimulation lay the foundation for a child's life-long ability to learn and to relate to others The efficacy of regular home nurse visits to high-risk families with infants in improving parenting skills, and reducing child abuse and neglect, has been amply demonstrated Currently, the funding and leadership that commands early child care and education exists in several separate Washington state departments. As a pediatrician, I am advocating for improving data collection and creating a uniform framework for the related organizations, thus multiplying the value and impact of their work. Through our statewide children's advocacy organization, the Children's Alliance, I am working towards a convergence of thinking around outcomes for children. The project will accomplish the following objectives: Inform high-risk expectant mothers regarding the availability of maternity support services and infant support services. Raise parent awareness of the influences of early experiences on brain development and early learning. Provide policy guidance to decision makers. Overall the public will perceive early childhood education, health, and school readiness as a major contributor to academic success and economic growth. The goal of this project is to raise the quality of care in communities and narrow the gap in school preparedness.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine the long-term effects of a program of prenatal and early childhood home visitation by nurses on the participants’ life course.
• Describe current advocacy efforts in Washington State to promote early learning.
• Recognize the role of children’s health providers and educators in providing early nurturing assistance to families.

Keywords: Children's Health, Education

Related Web page: www.earlylearning.org/kidsmatter.html

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation