Smart Beginnings Start with Families

 

The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and the Virginia Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics have partnered to designate May 10- June 21, the time period between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, as an opportunity to focus on the health development of young children and to recognize that Smart Beginnings Start with Families: Healthy Children are Ready to Learn.

 

Both of these partner organizations develop and implement statewide strategies to help

parents, family members and caregivers understand the importance of children’s early

years, from birth through age five, as a critical time for building a strong foundation for

good health and success in school.

• The Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) works in collaboration with

        Smart Beginnings initiatives in communities across the Commonwealth to promote

        school readiness and quality early experiences through a wide variety of efforts designed to

        support families with young children.

• The VA Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics (VA-AAP) develops and shares resources about pediatric health care to benefit the children of Virginia.  In addition, the Chapter supports community health care programs and initiatives to help every child reach his or her full potential in school and in life.

              

Central Virginia Activities

 

Richeson Drive Pediatrics, a long-time supporter of promoting early literacy and reading at home, joins SBCV, VECF and the Academy of Pediatrics to participate in Smart Beginnings Start with Families. 

 

Pictured below:  4 year old Karlee looks at a book during a well-child examination by Tiffany Kidd, PNP at Richeson Drive Pediatrics. 

 

Richeson Drive Pediatrics has participated in Reach Out and Read for more than a decade, giving a new book to every child during well-child visits.