In America without excuse every child should start first grade ready to learn. This goal will require that we make high quality preschool available to all 3 and 4 year olds who are at risk of starting first grade behind. Otherwise, gaps in academic achievement between at risk and more affluent children will widen in the first, critically…

"Data Trends" reports present summaries of research on mental health services for children and adolescents and their families. The article summarized in this "Data Trends" addresses several gaps in previous research estimating the impact of caregiving on employment. For instance, prior studies employ a variety of disability definitions, making it…

This issue of ERCMExpress presents the topic "Schools Respond to Infectious Disease." Every year, schools confront a range of infectious diseases such as chicken pox, lice, ringworm and seasonal influenza. In response, faculty and staff work together to control the outbreak, quell fears and dispel rumors. For example, school administrators may…

This document provides descriptions of the 2000, 2001, and 2002 winners of the Environmental Protection Agency's Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Excellence Awards. The winners are considered to be national leaders in improving indoor air quality in schools. Also included are case studies for selected 2000 winners and a press release for the…

This testimony provides an overview of health and environmental issues in U.S. schools and describes efforts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in concert with other federal agencies, to help schools address environmental issues. These include the Clear Skies Initiative, Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools, High Performance Schools,…

This primer was prepared by the Healthy Buildings committee of the Child Proofing Our Communities campaign and is the third in a series of reports. The campaign aims to connect local efforts across the country, raise awareness of toxic threats to children's health, and promote precautionary approaches most protective of children. Following an…

This publication provides information on the most important indoor mold-related health concerns and discusses how school districts can keep school facilities mold-free and avoid these problems. The document addresses when to be concerned, how molds cause health problems, symptoms caused by mold allergies, indoor molds that form toxins, who is most…

Noting that although dental disease is preventable, dental decay is still the most common and costly oral health problem among children, this special Kids Count report presents information on oral health and the role of prevention and the problem of poor oral health in Arkansas. Included in the report is information on the obstacles in accessing…

Existing indoor air quality (IAQ) policies for schools reflect the variety of institutional, political, social, and economic contexts that exist within individual states. The purpose of this report is to provide a better understanding of the types of policy strategies used by states in addressing general indoor air quality problems. The policies…

This booklet contains ideas for parents to encourage their children to be physically active. Twenty-one activities--incorporating such skills as jumping, balancing, and stretching--are described and illustrated, and variations are provided to accommodate children's different abilities. A "Physical Activity Pyramid" shows how to fit activity into…

This annotated bibliography describes materials from the National Center for Education in Maternal and Child Health (NCEMCH) reference collection. The 125 items focus on children and sexuality education. Most materials about preventing AIDS/HIV, adolescent pregnancy prevention, and school health education in general, however, are omitted because…

Eleven federal agencies have established a multi-agency effort to increase enrollment of uninsured children in Medicaid and the state Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Noting that the cooperative efforts of agencies with jurisdiction over children's programs within the Department of Health and Human Services offer new opportunities for Head…

This report describes the role of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Training Program in planning and supporting training designed to produce state, community, university, and professional association leaders who can advocate for children and mothers and continue to effect change that saves lives and enhances health. The Maternal and Child Health…

Dental disease is one of the most prevalent illnesses facing children in the United States today. Eighty percent of untreated dental disease in permanent teeth is found in roughly 25 percent of 5- to 17-year old children, most of whom come from low-income and other vulnerable populations. The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)…

This guide presents cautionary tips for protecting children's health during school renovation and construction projects, the New York state laws regarding school renovation and construction, and the steps the laws require to eliminate dangerous conditions for children during these projects. Included is a checklist of uniform safety standards…