WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST HIDDEN HEALTH CRISES FACING …

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

coughlin@unitedwaystcroix.org