Abstract
Florida early childhood comprehensive systems impact project: Utilizing interactive mapping to assess a communities’ assets towards children’s health and development
Rafaella Elger, B.A., Medinah Nabadduka, BS, Concha Prieto, BS, Emma Hume, MPH, CPH and Jennifer Marshall
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
APHA's 2020 VIRTUAL Annual Meeting and Expo (Oct. 24 - 28)
The Florida Early Childhood Comprehensive System (ECCS) Impact Project aims to improve developmental health of children in two Florida place-based community initiatives: Miami Children’s Initiative in Liberty City and Town N Country, Tampa, by using a Collaborative Improvement and Innovation (CoIIN) approach. The ECCS evaluation team conducted interactive mapping sessions that aimed to identify assets meaningful to community residents related to children’s health and development, identify barriers that could hinder health and development, and develop a comprehensive map that service providers could utilize when planning initiatives in these two communities. The ECCS evaluation team created a base map with boundaries and initial resources using Google maps, conducted walking and windshield tours, and met with twenty-two participants from Liberty City and twenty from Town N Country who noted on printed maps the locations in their respective communities pertinent to child and family well-being and most utilized by residents. Conversations were audio-recorded and transcribed. Participants in Liberty City identified assets such as a fully equipped playground funded through a community initiative, a remembrance garden, and a community vegetable garden. In Town N Country assets identified included a skating rink that is a community gathering place and a neighborhood mothers’ WhatsApp group. A list of community spaces where parents and providers can gather opens lines of communication for resources and developmental promotion activities. Connected neighbors and engaged providers throughout each community will support the health and development of children through activities that focus on where parents and children gather.
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice Other professions or practice related to public health