what is one of the most hidden health crises facing …
TRANSCRIPT
WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST HIDDEN HEALTH CRISES FACING
OUR COMMUNITIES TODAY?
Mary Sue Ash and John Coughlin
February 10, 2015
Our Children – Building a Foundation for Their Success
If you change the first five years of life… you change everything!
So why should we be interested in Early Childhood Development?
There is a window of opportunity in the first few years of life.
So why should we be interested in Early Childhood Development?
• Babies learn rapidly from the moment of birth.
• A child’s experiences are the chief architect of the brain.
• Stress and fear can cause cognitive and developmental delays.
So why should we be interested in Early Childhood Development?
Who we are is basically set by the time we go to school – it determines
how we view ourselves and our world;
whether we believe that we are capable, valued, accepted;
and whether we feel that we can trust others.
Infants as Sponges..
Source: Harvard University Center on the Developing Child
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Age
Binocular vision
Emotional control
Peer social skills
Language
Symbols
Relative quantity
Cognitive
skills
Critical Period
Critical Period Waning
Source: M. McCain and F. Mustard,
Reversing the real brain drain: Early
Years Study, Ontario, April 1999
The Importance of Critical Periods
Habitual ways of responding
Barriers to Social Mobility Emerge at a Very Young Age
Source: Hart & Risley (1995)
Adversity Impairs Development in the First 3 Years
Source: Harvard University Center on the Developing Child, Barth, 20008
3:1 Odds of Adult Heart Disease
Source: Harvard University Center on the Developing Child
The Childhood Roots of Health Disparities: How Adversity Is Built Into the Body
Shonkoff, Boyce & McEwen (Journal American Medical Association 06/03/09)
The Achievement Gap Starts Early
46% of America’s kindergarteners
start school without the basic skills they need to
succeed.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
We All Benefit When We Close the Gap
“Investing in children during the early years
is the best economic investment a
community can make.”
Arthur J. Rolnick, PhD Senior Vice President and Director of Research
(Retired) Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
$4 - $9 In Returns For Every Dollar Invested In Early Childhood Programs
Source: Harvard University Center on the Developing Child
Early Action Pays Off Today and Tomorrow
“The Economic Case for Investments in Young Children”, Rob Grunewald, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis
What’s the solution?
A National Vision
Implemented Locally
• Success By 6 was developed by the United Way of Minneapolis over 30 years ago and is now in communities nationwide.
• It is a flexible and sustainable model developed to meet the needs of local communities.
• SB6 works to strengthen and improve existing services and involve all elements of the community.
• United Way St. Croix Valley began implementing SB6 in 2005 by developing our vision, mission, priorities and logic model.
Our Vision
All children in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties, with the strong support of family and community, will by age six have the necessary physical, mental, emotional and social development to successfully grow and learn.
BHAG!
That the
St Croix Valley is the
Best Place
to
Raise a Child.
So, how do we make
it happen?
• Parent educator visit in hospital after delivery
• Parent-child education and support classes
• Home visits by a parent educator
• Quality child care
• Developmental screenings
• Well-trained educators and providers
• Information and resources available to all
How Can You Help?
• Understand the importance and impacts of early childhood development.
• Take action to spread the word of the importance.
• Financially support
Success By 6.
How Can You Help?
Support young children by: • Developing a joint,
comprehensive plan for their wellness, especially those at risk.
• Providing services that promote their safety, health, and welfare
• Improving their behavioral and mental health
• Increasing food and shelter security for their families
If you change the first five years of life… you change everything!
Change
For More Information
http://www.unitedwaystcroix.org/success_by_6.htm
Mary Sue Ash and John Coughlin
United Way St. Croix Valley
516 Second Street, Suite 214B
Hudson, WI 54016
715-377-0203
