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.
The best thing you can do is make sure your child’s vision is checked every year as their eyes grow and change. Your child may receive a vision screening in school. You can also talk to your school nurse or family doctor about checking their eyes. The earlier you can catch the issue, the better. If your child has a vision problem, find out from the school nurse or doctor about what to do next. Follow up is very important.
You may already know your child has a vision problem. That is a great first step! Make sure your child gets the care they need so that the problem does not get worse. If your child gets glasses, you can help make sure they know when to wear them and how to take care of them. Explore our materials on how you help keep your child’s eyes healthy and ready to learn below.
https://hrl.nyc/node/hbl-vision-families
