Parents and caregivers want their children to be happy, healthy, and productive. A focus on health and safety is important for all children as they grow up. Healthy children start to learn skills when they are born. These skills will help them in school and when they are adults.
Teachers can’t do it all! But, sometimes common problems in the classroom and hallways usually extend beyond “bad behavior” and could be indicators of certain health issues. Resolving health issues in school can have a positive impact on attendance and focus during the school day.
Health staff play a pivotal role in a growing child’s life. Doctors, nurses, health educators, and medical support staff all communicate important information to children and families related to physical and mental health and well-being.
Policies and laws help shape school health in practice. As research continues to show how health affects education and vice versa, programs to promote school health are growing. Anyone can be an advocate - students, families, educators, and community members.
The Healthy and Ready to Learn Resource and Training Center provides free trainings to equip all adults in the lives of children with the knowledge and skills to promote strong attendance, community health, and training sensitivity.
For 36 years Children's Health Fund has provided high quality clinical services to children in some of the most underserved communities in the country. The Healthy and Ready to Learn initiative is the next step.
As a parent, we know you want your child to grow, thrive in school, and live a happy life. To make sure your growing child is not distracted in school, there are some ways to make sure they are full of energy before and during the school day. Find out from your child’s teacher if breakfast is served in the classroom or before school. You can also give them a healthy breakfast at home before they go to school if you prefer.
Asking for help is key if you need it. The guidance counselor or parent coordinator can connect you to services that help provide food for your family. You can also talk to your doctor about what your family eats. The doctor can check your child’s weight and growth, and tell you if your child needs to change what they eat. Explore our materials on how you help keep your child hunger-free so they are healthy and ready to learn below.
https://www.hrl.nyc/node/hbl-hunger-families