INCREASE KNOWLEDGE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF TIMELY PARENTAL CARE AMONG WOMEN AND ADOLESCENTS.
INCREASE COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE AND CAPACITY TO PROMOTE AND PROVIDE DEVELOPMENT SCREENINGS AND REFERRALS TO APPROPRIATE SERVICES.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Women who begin receiving prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy are more likely to have full-term and normal-weight babies, which is a direct indicator of newborn Health. One key to safety is the reduction of the harmful effects of controlled substances on unborn and nursing babies—an issue that can be addressed through prenatal education.
Breastfeeding promotes attachment and bonding between mother and child, contributes to higher IQs, and lowers the risk of obesity later in life.
Identification through early developmental and Health screenings helps identify problems of hearing, vision, oral Health, developmental delays, and social-emotional Health. Each of these can result in poor academic and Health outcomes if left untreated. Early intervention services offered by providers who are skilled in evidence-based practices are proven to support children’s readiness for school.
