A collaborative approach to promoting the health and well being of immigrant families

A community partnership between the Academic Health Center, state, county, and faith based organizations was established to promote school readiness among Latino children, and English proficiency and positive health behaviors among their mothers. Many immigrant women removed from their extended families are isolated and struggle adjusting to a new culture and the demands of parenting. For the child, the early environment is critical for cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. A lack of resources during this critical period place children at risk for lower educational performance or failure in school that can lead to under-employment and a life of poverty. Latino children are less likely to be involved in early childhood development programs. To address these needs, two mornings a week, two and three year old children of Latino descent are enrolled in an evidenced based preschool program. While the children are in the preschool program, the mothers meet for health information, and English as a second language class (ESL). Developmental status of 2 and 3 year olds is evaluated using the Brigance Developmental Screen. School readiness is evaluated using the Peabody Picture VocabularyTest-4th edition, Expressive Vocabulary Test – 2nd edition, and the Bracken School Readiness Composite. Evaluation criteria also include family participation in preventive health services and measurements of English proficiency are assessed by the state approved BEST and the TABE tests.