Early Years Are Learning Years
Celebrating The Week of
THE YOUNG CHILD April 6-12, 2014
In celebration of the “Week of the Young Child” and to bring attention to April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month,” Smart Start is pleased to present this special section focusing on the care, health and development of young children.
Week of the Young Child -- Page 2
What Every Parent Wants to Know What is Smart Start? Every parent wonders if their child’s development is on track, especially when no two children’s development is ever the same. What Every Parent Wants to Know is a workshop that focuses on the developmental milestones to expect for children from birth to age five and what to do if you suspect your child needs more support. It will be an opportunity to share concerns with other parents and get advice from experts in early childhood education. A light breakfast will be
served and childcare in the Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF) will be provided. The workshop will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Columbus County Partnership for Children located at 105 W. Main St. in Whiteville. There are a limited number of spaces for adults and children so RSVP today by calling 910-392-7003 or email kathryn.schaaf@eastersealsucp.com. Parents, grandparents and guardians are welcome. This workshop is being of-
fered by the Family Focused Inclusion activity of the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start). The activity is administered by Easter Seals UCP Early Childhood Outreach Services. For additional information about the services and programs of the Columbus County Partnership for Children, call 642-8226. Visit the office at 109 W. Main St. in Whiteville and online at www.columbussmartstart.org. “Like” the agency on Facebook.
Experiences during early childhood literally shape the structure of the brain. Because today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, parents and workers, everyone has a stake in making sure that all children have the experiences they need to thrive. Smart Start brings together all the people involved in a young child’s life—families, teachers, doctors, caregivers, social workers, and many others—to ensure every child has all they need for healthy growth and development. What is Smart Start? Smart Start was created in 1993 as an innovative solution to a problem: Children were coming to school unprepared to learn. Policymakers recognized that progress would require tapping into the same innovative spirit that inspired private sector advances, and
therefore, established Smart Start as a public/private partnership. Independent, private organizations work in all 100 North Carolina counties through The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., and 77 Local Partnerships. The power of Smart Start is that it delivers outcomes by giving communities local control to determine the best approach to achieving them. Smart Start’s Vision Every child reaches his or her potential and is prepared for success in a global community. Smart Start’s Mission Advance a high quality, comprehensive, accountable system of care and education for every child beginning with a healthy birth. This and other information about how Smart Start works can be found online at www. smartstart.org.
Kaleidoscope Kidz H H H H H 5 Star Center “Parents Always Welcome” FREE Registration for the month of May “Thank you to all the children who enrich our lives.” • Ages 6 Weeks to 12 Years • Creative Curriculum for all ages
Openings Now Available
The few openings we have now will be filled soon, so don’t delay.
Before/After School Infant/Preschool
We Offer Fun Filled, Engaging Activities
HICKORY HILL CHILD CARE CENTER Hwy 130 East, Whiteville • 642-5319
32 Year s Experie nce Keeping Your Childre n
Open Monday - Friday 6:30 am - 6:00 pm
• Nutritious Meals & Snacks • Fun Filled Activities • Experienced, Caring Staff • 5 Star Licensed Day Care Center
STRIVING FOR A HIGHER STANDARD OF QUALITY CARE! 1830 Prison Camp Road, Whiteville, NC Marie Ward, Natalie Morris, Assistant Director Owner/Director
640-2544
Week of the Young Child -- Page 3
Smart Start is...
Raising Quality of Care and Education “The science of child development tells us that significant variations in the quality of early care and education programs have the potential to produce lasting repercussions for both children and society as a whole. Evidence points to the beneficial impacts at the highest end of the quality spectrum and to detrimental impacts at the lowest end.” (A Science-Based Framework for Early Childhood Policy) Smart Start ensures that families have access to high quality, affordable early care and education and support services. Supporting Families Research on brain development is changing how we think about the early years, and in turn influencing our views of parenting. It has produced new insights on interacting with a child, managing behavior and pre-
paring children to enter school healthy and ready to learn. Smart Start strives to improve outcomes for children by offering familyfocused programs that improve parenting, promote parent involvement and impact the environment in which parenting takes place. Advancing Child Health Healthy behavior patterns established in early childhood often lead to lifelong benefits and decreased probability of serious disease later in life. Early identification and treatment of health conditions (whether physical, mental, or socio-emotional in nature) can positively impact a child’s life for years to come. Smart Start strives to improve outcomes for children by increasing young children’s access to healthcare and by working with providers, health departments, families, and communities to improve the healthcare systems that serve children.
Like a good neighbor ...we believe in helping to meet the needs of families in our community. Loving our children means providing the very best protection for their futures. Mary Bullard Williamson continues the caring tradition started by her father, Lonnie Bullard.
State Farm is there. MARY BULLARD WILLIAMSON 642-3753 Office 642-8682 Home
1011 North Powell Blvd., Oliver Plaza, Whiteville
Prepare, Explore, Discover! • A Tuition-Free Public School • Open To All • Small Instructional Groups • Positive Behavioral Support • Traditional Values • Safe Learning Environment
• Open Enrollment January • Grades Kindergarten - 8th • Call 641-4042 for applications Or
• Apply On-Line
www.ColumbusCharterSchool.org
Managed by The
Roger Bacon Academy, 35 Bacon’s Way, Whiteville, NC 28472
Week of the Young Child -- Page 4
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when communities come together to celebrate the bright future all children deserve. Today’s children are tomorrow’s parents and workers, and North Carolina’s future success relies on their healthy development and growth. Throughout the year, Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) works with communities to build safe, stable, nurturing relationships for all children in their families and communities and prevent abuse and neglect before they occur. During April, PCANC and communities throughout the state are planting thousands of pinwheels to promote prevention. Pinwheels represent a community’s dedication to supporting children and families. “We celebrate the important role communities play in ensuring all children thrive,” said Rosemarie Allen Ryan, PCANC president and CEO. “Healthy child development is the foundation for community and economic development. By working together to build and
Help prevent child abuse
promote protective factors that strengthen families and help children thrive, we decrease factors that put children at risk.” Safe, nurturing relationships build healthy brain architecture for children, forming a sturdy foundation for future success. Child abuse and neglect and other unaddressed adverse experiences damage the architecture of the developing brain, resulting in poor outcomes for children and communities - from academic failure to violence to chronic health issues. “Preventing child abuse and neglect means ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, resources, and social support they need to provide the nurturing environments all children need,” said Ryan. “When we do this well, we can prevent abuse and neglect before it occurs and offer all children the opportunity to grow up to be successful, contributing members of their communities.” Through collaboration with partners across North Caro-
lina, PCANC works with com- all children. For more infor- communications at mmckemunities to build safe, stable, mation about PCANC contact on@preventchildabusenc.org nurturing relationships for Maureen McKeon, director of or (919) 256-6616.
Week of the young child schedule of events
During the month of April, the Smart Start staff invites families in Columbus County, North Carolina to come together for young children April 6-12, during the Week of the Young Child. As part of the national Week of the Young Child celebration across the country, Columbus County is honoring young children and all those who make a difference in their lives.
events will be in Downtown Whiteville at the ELF, located at 107 W. Main Street or at another nearby location. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register a group or if you have questions, call Clemenza Graham at 212-6352; or call the Partnership at 6428226.
Civic Room. Piñata break at Smart Start Early Learning Facility.
Tuesday, April 8 9:30 & 11 a.m. Story and Activity Time Silly Hat Day - “Wear your silly hat”
Wednesday, April 9 9:30 & 11 a.m. Movie and Treasure Hunt “Wear your PJs”
Thursday, April 10 In recognition of the Week 9:30 & 11 a.m. of the Young Child, the Smart ELF Fair Start Early Learning Facility Cookie Walk (ELF) will host several fun Fishing Game and educational events daily Bean Bag Toss from April 7-11. Events will be Bowling provided by local community Pin the Tail on the Donkey programs located throughout Ring Toss Game Columbus County and will be Schedule of Events open to all children ages birth Monday, April 7 Friday, April 11 11 a.m. to 5 and their caregivers (Pro9:30 & 11 a.m. Story and Activity Time with fessional child care facilities, Fish the Magish - Magical Synthia parents, grandparents, baby Friendship Show sitters) free of charge. All Whiteville City Schools
Children are like seeds... they need help to grow up well. Being specialists in agriculture for Columbus County farmers, we feel a real investment in the future. We believe in investing in our children as well. Programs like Smart Start give Columbus County children a definite edge in reaching their full potential. If it helps our children, it helps our community. And we all prosper!
SEEDS • FARM CHEMICALS • FERTILIZERS
HARVEY’S SOUTHEAST HWY. 701 NORTH
WHITEVILLE
642-5872
• Don Formyduval • Chris Edge • Linda Clark • Mark Suggs • Don Formyduval, Jr • Al Davis • Jerry Turner • Mike Bianchini • Matthew Simmons • Nathan Sellers
Week of the Young Child -- Page 5 There are only 2,000 days between the time a baby is born and when that child begins kindergarten. Experiences during that time have a lasting impact on later learning, health and success.
Investment Every dollar invested in early childhood education produces a 10% per annum return on investment.
Economy Participants in high quality early childhood programs have increased median earnings by as much as 36%, pay more taxes and depend less on welfare.
Science In the first few years of life, 700 new neural connections are formed every second.
Worker Readiness Research shows that the learning and development that occur in a child’s earliest years have a strong impact on later outcomes, including the mastery of skills a productive worker needs.
Health High quality early childhood programs improve nutrition and health.
Education High quality early childhood programs increase graduation rates by as much as 44%; NC’s graduation rate was 65% before Smart Start; now 77.7% .
Jobs Early education programs make it possible for 380,000 North Carolinian parents to work.
Crime Enriched early childhood programs appear to reduce future crime, and in the long run, they are the most cost-effective way to reduce crime.
Join North Carolinians as part of the First 2,000 Initiative at www.first2000days.org
Today’s Children. Tomorrow’s Leaders. Celebrating 20 years of success in North Carolina. General Assembly finds, upon consultation with the Governor, “The that every child can benefit from, and should have access to, highquality early childhood education and development services. The economic future and well-being of the State depend upon it.
T
”
hese are the first two sentences of Smart Start’s authorizing legislation written and passed by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1993. Lawmakers created Smart Start as an innovative solution to address the problem of young children entering school unprepared. In so doing, they changed the trajectory of generations of children to come and inspired states across the country to follow their lead. Twenty years later, Smart Start’s cutting edge system continues to solve problems and produce results for the state. A network of local partnerships led by The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. (NCPC), Smart Start measurably increases learning and the healthy development of children birth to five.
Innovative Beginning In 1993, policymakers recognized that preparing children for school would require tapping into the same innovative spirit that inspired private sector advances, and therefore, established Smart Start as a public/private partnership. As such, it uses public dollars as a catalyst to leverage local ideas and resources. Smart Start gives local communities the freedom and responsibility to determine how to increase the health, well-being and development of their children based on the needs and resources of their local communities. NCPC establishes measurable statewide goals and communities determine the best approach to achieving them.
Why Birth to Five The brain is the only organ not fully developed at birth. Experiences during the first five years of life determine how brains are wired. For a strong foundation, children need early care and education programs that are safe and provide opportunities for learning; strong families; and environments that support healthy outcomes. There are only 2,000 days between the time a child is born and when that child will begin kindergarten. Ninety percent of brain development occurs in that time, creating a lasting impact on later learning, health and success.
Investment in North Carolina’s future North Carolina grows stronger when we help families raise more capable children into smart, valuable and productive citizens. Early learning investments have a profound impact on children and the communities in which they live. This broader societal impact is so significant that military leaders, business executives, and law enforcement are calling on greater investments to ensure our national security, our global competitive edge, and our safety. Many hold Smart Start as a model for the nation.
Need Help Feeding Your Young Family? WIC PROGRAM PROVIDES HEALTHY FOODS AND NUTRITION EDUCATION FOR ELIGIBLE WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN IN COLUMBUS COUNTY If you are concerned about the high cost of the food products you need to feed your young family, check to see if you meet the requirements for WIC (the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children). In addition to receiving assistance in purchasing a variety of nutritious foods, you can receive age-appropriate health and nutrition education, obtain breastfeeding education and support, and receive referrals to various health care and community resources. In Columbus County, WIC is available through the Columbus County Health Department at 304 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC. We also run clinics once a week in Bolton, Chadbourn and Tabor City. Our team of qualified nutritionists, breastfeeding peer counselors and dedicated support staff will help guide you through the process. In addition,women and older children have the opportunity to receive special vouchers for use at the Columbus County Farmers’ Market each summer. To be eligible, a person must: • Be a pregnant woman; a breastfeeding woman who has had a baby in the last 12 months or a woman who has had a baby in the last 6 months; a newborn infant or child up to his or her 5th birthday. • Live in North Carolina. • Have an identified nutritional risk as determined by a health professional. This can include, but is not limited to, anemia, poor growth, underweight or overweight, dental problems, previous poor pregnancy outcomes, inadequate dietary intake and other nutrition and diet- related problems. • Meet the income eligibility scale – the gross household income cannot exceed 185% of the federal poverty guide-
lines (That means, for example, that a household of 3 people must have a monthly income of less than $2950). Our WIC staff can help you determine if you are eligible. You do not have to receive Medicaid to receive WIC, but all Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps) and Work First recipients do meet the WIC income eligibility criteria. A call to the WIC office at the number listed below can help you determine if you are eligible and what you need to bring. To apply for WIC, please call 910-641-3904 to make an appointment or get more information. When applying in person or coming for the first appointment be sure to bring proof of current address, identification and proof of household income for each applicant. If anyone in the family receives Medicaid, please bring his or her card also. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the Columbus County WIC program is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY),. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. You may view more general information about WIC at www.nutritionnc.com.
Week of the Young Child -- Page 6
Columbus County Partnership for Children Activities 2013-2014 Family Focused Inclusion
complete an Educational Facility Plan. Teachers in these facilities who are attending school may be eligible for Educational Awards. For assistance, call LaTonya Brown at 642-8226.
This activity provides early identification of special needs and enhances the provision of early intervention services to ensure positive outcomes for all children ages birth to five in child care Raising A Reader settings. For assistance, call Raising A Reader helps 392-7003. child care providers work with families to build and Parents as Teachers maintain the home-based This activity uses the Par- language and literacy exents As Teachers home visi- periences young children tation model to help families need for later school sucprepare their children, ages cess. By rotating high qualbirth to 5, for school success. ity children’s literature into For assistance call 642-8226. homes each week, Raising A Reader’s research-based program helps children and Quality Enhancement parents develop the habit of Project This project helps licensed “book cuddling.” Families child care programs increase also build the connections to the level of star rated licen- libraries that result in lastsure and the level of provider ing family literacy habits and education. Professional De- improved outcomes for chilvelopment services are also dren. For assistance, call Laavailable for facilities that Tonya Brown at 642-8226.
Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF)
The Early Learning Facility provides child development resources which parents and providers can use to enhance the early care and education of young children. A variety of children’s books, videos, topic resource books, resource kits and toys, a computer with Internet access and other resources are available to library members at a nominal fee. Training and workshops are offered as well as consumer materials in Spanish. For assistance, call 212-6352.
Smart Start Subsidy
This scholarship program provides assistance with the cost of child care to qualified parents with children ages birth to five. For assistance, call Algernon McKenzie at 642-3178.
Transportation
Expectant mothers and children ages birth to five who are not eligible for Medicaid reimbursable transportation can be transported to and from medical appointments. For assistance, call Charles Patton at 642-7201.
WAGE$
This project provides child care professionals with education-based salary supplements and addresses teacher turnover and increased teacher educational levels. For assistance, call Allison Miller at 919-967-3272.
Edu-Care Preschool Center “Operating for 28 Years”
n NC Certified Teachers in Early Childhood n Licensed for 6 weeks - 13 years old n NC Pre-K Program for 4 year olds n Two convenient locations
Operating Hours: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm
OPENINGS FOR ENROLLMENT AGES 6 WEEKS-12 YEARS Edu-Care Preschool
Hwy. 701, 1/4 mile south of Williams Township School WHITEVILLE • 653-5506
5H
Centers
Edu-Care Preschool
Intersection of Peacock Road and Old 74 CHADBOURN • 654-4810
Quality Enhanced 5 Star Facilities Accepting NC Pre-K Program Applications at Both Locations for 2014-2015 School Year
WHITEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS Everyone Committed to the Success of ALL Students
Empowering all students to reach their maximum potential for lifelong learning and productive citizenship. www.whiteville.k12.nc.us
Week of the Young Child -- Page 7
Parenting Program available to Columbus County families
The Parents As Teachers Program is accepting families in Columbus County. Families with children ages birth to five are invited to contact the Parent Educator, Gina Simmons for additional information about PAT by calling the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start) at 910-642-8226. Designed to enhance child development and school achievement through parent education, PAT serves families throughout pregnancy up until the child attends kindergarten. Participants come from all socio-economic levels, and from rural, urban and suburban communities. The program is available to families worldwide.
PAT uses the Born to Learn curriculum and includes four core services. Personal visits are monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly home visits, during which time parent educators share age-appropriate child development information with parents, help them learn to observe their own child, address their parenting concerns, and engage the family in activities that provide meaningful parent/child interactions. Group meetings provide opportunities to share information about a variety of parenting issues and child development. Parents learn from and support each other, observe their children with other chil-
dren, and practice their parenting skills. Periodic screening for early identification of developmental delays or health, vision, and hearing problems provides a regular review of a child’s developmental progress, identifies strengths and abilities and areas of concern that require referral for follow-up services, and increases parents’ understanding of their child’s development. Through a Resource network, Parent educators help families find and connect with needed services and help them to overcome barriers to accessing the services. PAT takes an active role in establishing ongoing col-
Summer Fun
laborative relationships with other organizations that serve families. Through a collaboration with the Robeson County Partnership for Children and the Robeson County Health Department, which operates the Parents As Teachers program, the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start)
provides PAT services free of charge to local families. For more information about the Parents As Teachers program, call the Columbus County Partnership for Children at 642-8226. Visit the Partnership at 109 W. Main St. in Whiteville or online at www.columbussmartstart.org. “Like” the Partnership on Facebook.
At Opening Doors Preschool...
With A Purpose At
Precious Minds Child Care Center 123 Haynes Lennon Hwy. Cerro Gordo, NC
Registration Begins May 1, 2014 Call us-See What Services Are Available • 654-3900
What are your children doing this summer?
We pride ourselves in bringing the community quality child care for infants through twelve year olds. During the summer months, we offer an exciting program for school age children.
Opening Doors Preschool II 5 Star Center Rhonda & Robert Creech, Owners/Operator 201 S. Lee St., Whiteville • 642-2460
Week of the Young Child -- Page 8
Smart Start Early Learning Facility
Mission: The Smart Start Early Learning Facility (ELF) assists in the development of pre-literacy skills by promoting reading, writing, playing, singing and talking for children ages birth to five.
The ELF is an interactive learning environment that is accessible to early educators in pre-K programs and child care facilities as well as to families needing educational materials and resources to help prepare their young children to enter kindergarten. A variety of children’s books, videos, prop boxes, resource kits, toys and materials on specific topics related to children is available through a check-out/check-in loaner program. Access to a laminat-
ing machine, comb binder, Ellison and Cricut die-cut machines, art supplies, copier and access to online resources may be available to ELF members at a nominal fee. ELF staff offers training on all equipment and demonstrate its appropriate use. Consumer awareness materials on subjects such as early care and education, health, family support and child wellness are available in English
and Spanish. The ELF is operated by the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start), which is part of a statewide effort that works with families with children ages birth to five to ensure that the children are healthy and ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten. To reach the ELF, call 910212-6352. To learn about the other activities of the Columbus County Partnership for Children, call 910-642-8226, visit the office at 109 W. Main St. or the website at www.columbussmartstart.org. “Like” us on Facebook to keep up with the special events and other information about the Partnership.
Early Learning Facility hours of operation Monday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ELF story and activity time is held each 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
Even though my son is in preschool three days a week, we have really enjoyed coming to the ELF. Everyone has been very helpful and we were received with a warm welcome. We enjoy the story time and crafts, also, the interaction with other children. I really wish I would have known about this program a few years ago. I plan to take full advantage while we can. The facility is very neat, organized, and clean. There are so many stations and toys/puzzles etc. to choose from. I hope to enjoy play dates here in the future with some friends. Thanks to all that support ELF. M. Russell (parent)
Week of the Young Child -- Page 9
What Smart Start ELF Friends Say
We see the ELF as a great place to go for interacting with other children. My granddaughter loves to have access to all the resources the center provides. K. Greene (parent) I’ve been coming here since about 2000…This has been an anchor in my child care career. I’ve been using this place for help with my curriculum and I also bring my granddaughter for every activity. Everyone here is so loving and helpful and my granddaughter loves it here. We check out materials for home use also! Hurray for ELF. V. Long (child care provider and grandparent) I have learned that no age is too young to start learning. The earlier you start reading to your children, the sooner the learning begins. Because of this, I read and teach my children earlier and more. It has greatly helped my children, myself, and others around them. The program puts them in a school-like environment to better prepare them for school. The interaction they get with other children here has helped them to grow greatly in social situations. S. Harrison (parent) This program is important to me because it provides a place where my children can come and learn and play. I love that they have a chance to play with other children their own age. K. Watts (parent)
IS YOUR CHILD STRUGGLING WITH READING? POOR READERS STRUGGLE IN ALL AREAS OF EDUCATION. HOWEVER THERE IS HOPE!!! Children with the following diagnosis may benefit from our listening and reading program: ADD - ADHD - Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Children with dyslexia Central Auditory Processing Disorder
Schedule an appointment today for communication for life long results. LUMBERTON OFFICE
210 Liberty Hill Road Lumberton, NC 28358 910-272-9056 | Fax: 910-272-9057
FAYETTEVILLE OFFICE
4251 Legion Road, Suite 111 Hope Mills, NC 28348 910-568-5674 | Fax: 910-568-5864
WHITEVILLE OFFICE
1014 N. JK Powell Boulevard Whiteville, NC 28472 910-207-6250 | Fax: 910-207-6251
www.coastalspeechcenter.com
The importance of a well-child checkup
Week of the Young Child -- Page 10
By JOHN D. BEAVER, FNP-BC Medical Director West Columbus Family Practice Chadbourn
Why do I need to bring my child in to be checked if (s) he isn’t sick or hurt? This is a question that I am often asked when requesting parents or guardians to bring their child in for a yearly well-child visit. On the surface, this question seems valid. Most people associate healthcare providers’ offices with illness and injury, so “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?”. In this article, I shall explain what a well-child exam is and why it is important. What is a well-child exam? A well-child exam is a physical and medical assessment of a child, which is usually performed by healthcare providers such as pediatricians, general practitioners, nurse practitioners or physician assistants. These exams are scheduled frequently during the first year of life, and then generally after a child turns two, he or she has one once a year. Many things occur during a well-child exam, and here is a brief list of some things parents can expect at one: • Assessment of vision via vision screenings • Examination of the child’s body • Height/Weight Measurements • Routine Vaccinations
Smart Start to host Scholastic Book Fair
The Columbus County Partnership for Children will host a Scholastic Book Fair March 31 through April 10, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Funds raised will help purchase books for Partnership sponsored programs and activities and to donate to children who can’t afford books. Families, child care providers, and the community are invited to attend this fun event which promotes literacy and helps inspire children to become lifelong readers. The Book Fair offers specially priced books and educational products, including popular series, award-winning titles, new releases, and other great reads from more
than 100 publishers. The Book Fair will also be a feature event during the Smart Start Early Learning Facility’s (ELF) Week of the Young Child celebration, April 7 through 11. The Week of the Young Child will include a variety of activities and events for children ages birth to five, their parents and their caregivers. For more information about the Week of the Young Child, call the ELF at 910-212 -6352 or visit the facility at 107 W. Main St. in Whiteville. A 501 (c)(3) public private partnership, the Columbus County Partnership for Children is part of a statewide effort that works with families
with children ages birth to five to ensure that children are healthy and ready to succeed when they enter kindergarten. For additional information about the Columbus County Partnership for Children or its activities, call 642-8226. Visit the Partnership at 109 W. Main St. in Whiteville or online at www.columbussmartstart.org. “Like” the Partnership on Facebook.
Shape NC: Healthy Starts for Young Children is a six-year, $6 million initiative by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation and The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc., that increases the number of children starting Kindergarten at a healthy weight. Shape NC works with child care programs to instill healthy behaviors early on, creating a solid foundation for a healthy life.
iN itS FirSt three yearS Shape NC... eNgaged
19 CommuNITIeS
SpaNNiNg
27 CouNTIeS
to reaCh
1,000 ChIldreN
aCroSS North CaroliNa In addition to fulfilling the work of a local planning site, Hub Sites will provide training and technical assistance services on early childhood obesity prevention planning and programming to other local planning sites.
Hub Site
Local Planning Site 1
2
3
4
Counties and Partnerships with the same colored outline belong to the same Hub-site/Planning-site Group
For Shape NC KidS thiS meaNS…
more Fruits & Veggies
Continued on page 12
9% 34% 32%
Rise in percent of children being provided with 90 minutes or more of physical activity.
51%
85% 19 74
Number of child care centers made improvement to outdoor learning environments including adding bike paths and vegetable gardens.
Staff members at child care centers improved at least one of their own health behaviors, including eating more fruits and vegetables and more physical activity.
a healthier Start
www.smartstart.org/shapenc
40% 80% 60%
Rise in percent of children being provided with beans or lean meats one or more times per day. Rise in percent of children being provided with fruit two or more times per day. Rise in percent of children being provided with vegetables two or more times per day.
more physical activity Over the course of each school year, trends showed the percent of children who reached a healthy weight is gradually improving.
www.smartstart.org/shape-nc
Why does my child need a medical home? By DAWN WATTS Parents of Medicaid recipients are asked to select a medical home for their children. Some private insurance plans require a medical home as well. This is important to the federal government and private insurance companies because coordinated care cuts costs. But why is it important to you, the parent? Here are a few important reasons that parents should know. The most important reason for selecting a medical home for your child is coordination of care. Your child’s medical home coordinates your child’s care by tracking immunizations, well checks and consistent patterns of symptoms that may prove helpful to diagnose a disease or assess the need for a specialist. Your primary care physician (pediatrician) follows your child’s physical, social and mental development by utilizing a developmental questionnaire such as the
Week of the Young Child -- Page 11
“Ages and Stages Questionnaire” or ASQ. By using the ASQ, your physician can pinpoint the area of therapy your child may need and refer your child to the appropriate therapist. Your primary care physician or PCP also refers children with chronic illnesses to pediatric specialists. For example, if your child has chronic kidney infections, your child would be referred to a pediatric nephrologist. When the PCP refers your child to the specialist, your child’s treatment plan is shared between specialist and PCP. Your child’s PCP can track their condition Continued on page 13
Why should I take my child to a pediatrician? By RANDOLPH MATTHEWS, MD
There are several reasons why you should take your child to a pediatrician for their primary care. First, children are not small adults. They often have different symptoms and may need different treatments than adults. We are trained to recognize the importance of these differences. Secondly, pediatricians are well versed in cutting edge knowledge. Pediatricians spend up to 24 times more training in the care of children than other physicians. Another reason to take your child to a pediatrician is that they only see patients through age 21 years. Changes in medicine make it difficult to stay up to date. Pediatricians
Doing Our Part To Help Children & Families In Columbus County...
Columbus County Transportation . . . providing Columbus County with “transportation you can count on” since 1995.
Call 642-7201 • General Public Transportation stay current by concentrating our efforts on changes in medicine affecting youth. Pediatricians offer quality primary care. We are trained to help you determine healthful lifestyles for your children by advising and educating parents on how to prevent injuries and illnesses. We are also trained to treat life-threatening conditions as well. Finally, we can guide you in anticipating your child’s needs from newborn through age 21.
• Work Transportation • Medicaid Transportation • Child Care (5 Years & Under Free) • Veterans’ Transportation • Department of Aging • Health Department
Partnering with Smart Start...
Expectant mothers and children less than 6 years old who are not eligible for Medicaid reimbursable transportation can be transported to and from medical appointments free. To learn more about this Smart Start activity, call 642-7201 (Columbus County Transportation).
Week of the Young Child -- Page 12
Well check-up
Continued from page 10 • Assessment of developmental milestones • Questions about diet • Age specific education regarding a child Why is a well-child exam important? Essentially, the well-child exam is a form of preventative medicine, meant to catch any potential problems in a child’s physical or developmental health. I compare it to changing the oil and rotating the tires on your car or truck. You don’t do these things because something is wrong; you do them to help prevent something from going wrong. It also gives parents or guardians an opportunity to ask any questions regarding any physical or developmental changes they have noted in their child. Each exam is usually tailored to the individual child and to the child’s age. For instance, providers might make sure that parents are safety-proofing homes for active toddlers, and warn them about the dangers of accidental swallowing of dangerous substances. Another important aspect of these examinations is making sure that children stay cur-
rent on vaccinations. Though there are some parents who refuse these vaccinations, most providers feel that these are important in order to prevent contraction of very dangerous and life-threatening diseases like polio. Vaccinations are usually given at specific ages when they are thought most effective, and children might
Spring and Summer Safety
lmet Bike He PF h high S it w n e e Sunscr h llent wit e p e r t Insec tent ET con E D h hig ons ing less m im w S y er hand b m u n is Keep th 2 4 642-26 ol le scho u d e h c S ls early physica
also have preventative tests to rule out things like exposure to tuberculosis. Most schools, especially at kindergarten admission, require proof of these vaccinations or ask parents to sign waivers if they choose not to vaccinate their kids. Equally valuable is determining if children are grow-
ing appropriately and reaching certain developmental milestones. While each child is different, children who are not progressing in a number of areas may require special support or help in order to catch up with peers, or failure to meet milestones could suggest serious illness. Usually lack of one or two developmental milestones is not of great concern, but if at a certain point, a child is not reaching most of them, this can suggest significant needs. Providers also act in a supervisory role during a wellchild exam to make certain that children are having basic needs met. They usually ask questions about behavior, diet, home safety, and they may comment on any examination results that might suggest potential problems for the child. For instance, with great concern about childhood obesity, a child with a high weight and low height might be scrutinized more carefully, and a provider could give advice on modifying diet, or order additional tests to rule out things like childhood diabetes. How do I schedule my child for a wellness examination? In an attempt to improve
the health and quality of life for the children of Columbus County, several agencies including the Columbus County Partnership for Children (Smart Start), the Columbus County Health Department, the Division of Medical Assistance, the Columbus County Department of Social Services, and Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear have formed a Health Check Taskforce. One of the primary goals of the taskforce is to increase the percentage of children receiving wellness exams. If your child already has a primary care provider, you can schedule a wellness examination by calling the provider’s office. If your child does not have a primary care provider, contact the Department of Social Services for assistance with locating a provider who offers child wellness examinations in Columbus County. Cost should not be an issue, as wellness examinations are covered for all children having Medicaid or NC Health Choice. Most private insurance policies also cover well examinations, and for those who are uninsured or underinsured there are programs available to assist so that the Continued on page 13
Now Taking New Patients
Nicholette Cromartie, CNA, Shavonda Collins, CNA, Luis Maggioli - Spanish Interpreter, Kathy Nealey, RN, Sherry Rickett, CNA, John Wilkins, MD, Diana Matthews - Spanish interpreter, Amalie Shanks PA-C, Kim Phillips, Randolph Matthews, MD, Nora Lund, Amanda Spivey, Dawn Watts - Practice Manager
Columbus Pediatrics & Adolescent Care 800 Jefferson Street • Suite 116, Whiteville • 642-2642
Open M-F 8-5 (Closed for lunch 12-1:30) • Sat. Sick Clinic 9-12 • “Tenemos interprete todo el dia”
Week of the Young Child -- Page 13
Obesity in children
By RANDOLPH MATTHEWS, MD Why is there so much obesity in children today? It really boils down to two things: 1) activity level and 2) diet. Probably the main cause of inactivity is “electronic media.” Electronic media includes television, video games and computer time. You can burn more calories sleeping that you do watching television. Forty years ago (when obesity was not so prominent), there were no home computers and most televisions had only 3-5 channels. Of these 3-5 channels, many had only adult-oriented programs available during the day (news shows, soap operas, sports events etc.). For the most part, cartoons were only available for a limited time on Saturday mornings. Therefore kids chose more active things to do. Now we have hundreds of channels and many of them are devoted almost exclusively to children’s programming. You can get a handle on television by limiting screen time
to 1-2 hours/day for children older than two years of age. We recommend that children younger than age two, not get any screen time at all. Replace this screen time with biking, outdoor play and even reading. The other component causing obesity is diet. The major culprits are sugars and starches. However, lack of will power is not the problem. Too much insulin production is the ultimate villain. Although insulin is required to process sugars and starches (carbohydrates), too much insulin production can wreak havoc with activity levels and appetite. One person may eat a slice of bread and produce just the right amount of insulin. That person remains slim. Another person may eat an identicallysized slice of bread but produce three times the amount of insulin needed. Producing too much insulin induces low blood sugar (which causes fatigue), and increases the appetite-specifically causing cravings for more high carbohydrate foods. Decreased activity stemming
Continued from page 12
from fatigue in addition to increased appetite is a recipe for worsening obesity. To minimize obesity in children, we recommend a high protein diet low in sugars and starches. In addition, limiting that screen time to one or two hours/day has been shown to be the most effective method of increasing your child’s activity level. Next, children learn from what they see. Parents need to tame the tube and increase their activity as well. Perhaps some of that activity can be playing with your child. Not only can that fight obesity, it can build family memories as well.
Working Together For Their Future
Well check-up
cost is minimal. The average length of time for a wellness examination is less than 30 minutes, and having them as scheduled improves health and significantly decreases the risk of illness or death. The Health Check Taskforce is here to encourage and assist parents and guardians in protecting our most precious possessions and our future, our children.
Medical home
Continued from page 11 along with the specialist. Often times, specialists are not available in rural areas like Columbus County. When the specialist needs lab work performed but seeing the child isn’t required, the PCP can collect samples from the patient and order labs as necessary. This saves the family the added expense of travel and meals and eliminates wages lost due to time off work. If your child sees multiple specialists, your PCP coordinates each referral to ensure
that each treatment plans does not interfere with each other. One important example of why your PCP should coordinate your care is the possibility of drug interactions. If one physician is unaware of what another physician prescribes, the results could prove to be dangerous. (And just a little piece of advice, use the same pharmacy if possible, your pharmacist is trained to watch out for possible drug interactions.) Finally, the most important benefit you receive is a commitment that patient care comes first.
BIRTH and Beyond . . . you’ll see the difference that quality care makes. Families trust us with their health and well-being because our staff is dedicated to one-on-one care that can be trusted. We’re here for you and your family every step of the way. Contact us today for your entire family’s healthcare needs. You’ll be glad you did.
At Trinity Baptist Child Care, teachers and families work closely in partnership to ensure high-quality care and education for children. Parents feel supported and welcomed as observers and contributors to the program. The program is staffed by adults who understand child and family development and who recognize and meet the developmental and learning needs of children and families. The program is efficiently and effectively administered with attention to the needs and desires of children, families and staff.
Trinity Baptist Child Care 201 S. Thompson St., Whiteville • 910-642-7676
GDoctor’s & GOffices Healthcare for Your Family SATURDAY AND EVENING HOURS ARE AVAILABLE
7490 Andrew Jackson Hwy Cerro Gordo, NC
805 S Madison St Whiteville, NC
654-2050
642-2050
Bladen East Medical Center 16860 NC Hwy 87 East Council, NC
Fair Bluff Family Practice 1112 Main St Fair Bluff, NC
669-2221
649-7571
Walk-Ins Welcome
Week of the Young Child -- Page 14
The Importance of Well Check-Ups
Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear explains why it’s important to take your healthy child to the doctor
The first 2000 days of life are so important in a child’s development. Your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear encourages parents and guardians to schedule regular well checkups for their child. Well checkups are the best way to detect any developmental needs your child may have. Appropriate screening at a well check-up can determine whether a child is at-risk for developmental delays in children as young as one year. Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that developmental delays, like autism, are often not identified until kindergarten entry or later. Catching delays early can make a big difference in the life of your child. Early treatment can reduce delay effects and help your child learn, grow, and thrive. “Scheduling well check-ups is one of the most important
things a parent can do,” says Dr. Henry C. Hawthorne, Jr., Pediatric Consultant and Associate Medical Director of Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear. “Treating delays early not only improves chances for treatment but improves you child’s chances of living a healthier life.” A parent may not think it important to take their well child to the doctor but keeping up-todate with these check-ups is a critical part of a healthy start. Most insurance programs cover these preventive care checkups. Don’t wait to schedule your child’s appointment. What happens at a well check-up? Depending on the age of your child, the following services might be offered: • Developmental screen • Immunizations (shots) • Health history • Physical exam • Height and weight • Vision and hearing check • Dental check
• Nutrition review • Lab tests as needed • Guidance • Follow-up/Referral if needed How do Well Check-Ups Help my Child? • Doctors can check for more things when your child is well. • Regular Well Check-Ups help the doctor better understand your child’s needs. • Shots that protect your child are given when your child is well. • Early treatment may keep possible health problems from getting worse. What are the Recommended Ages for Well Check-Ups? Within 1st month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 or 15 months, 12 months, 18 months, • once a year for ages 2 years- 20 years •Foster Care Children: twice a year for ages 2 years – 20 years The Assuring Better Child Health and Development program, or ABCD, is working in Columbus County with
doctors and other local providers to increase the number of children ages birth to five who receive high-quality developmental screenings in their regular doctor’s office to reduce health risks, identify children with unmet health concerns, and help young children obtain the services they need to be successful. ABCD is made possible by the Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge Grant and through a collaboration between Smart Start of New Ha-
nover County and Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear. About Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear (CCLCF) Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear (CCLCF) is charged with improving health outcomes for nearly 95,000 public and privately-insured enrollees in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties. CCLCF works in collaboration with primary care providers, local hospitals, departments of social services, departments of health, and other healthcare organizations, and is one of 14 similar networks participating in the statewide awardwinning Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) program. To learn more, visit www. carelcf.org.
Where Learning and Fun Meet
Free on ti stra regi new for ts ican l p p a
Kid Kare Educational Center 4881 Chadbourn Highway., Chadbourn 654-5278
Week of the Young Child -- Page 15
Smart Start Partnerships in Your Community In 1993, The North Carolina Partnership for Children, Inc. was created to lead Smart Start. Today, 77 partnerships use public and private funds to serve all 100 counties. Each partnership is an independent, nonprofit organization. To understand how the county’s children are faring, local partnerships use independent data from state and federal sources to assess child-well being. This snapshot identifies in which areas the county’s children are doing well and in which areas attention is needed. Partnerships then use this information to bring together families, teachers, doctors, dentists, libraries, schools, and many others to better meet children’s needs. As a result, each partnership offers different Smart Start programs and services, depending on local needs. A complete list is below. Alamance 2322 River Road Burlington, NC 27217 336-513-0063 Alexander 1565 NC Hwy 90 West Taylorsville, NC 28681 828-632-3799 Alleghany PO Box 1643 Sparta NC 28675 336-372-2846 Anson 117 S. Greene St Wadesboro NC 28170 704-694-4036 Ashe 626 Ashe Central School Road Unit #1 Jefferson NC 28640 336-982-4588 Avery PO Box 1455 Newland NC 28657 828-733-2899 Beaufort 979 Washington Square Mall Washington, NC 27889 252-975-4647
Bertie 1403 Parkview Drive Edgewood Center Elizabeth City NC 27909-6533 252-333-1233 Bladen PO Box 2255 Elizabethtown, NC 28337 910-862-3335
Gaston 120 Roechling Street Dallas NC 28034 704-922-0900 Gates 1403 Parkview Drive Edgewood Center Elizabeth City NC 27909-6533 252-333-1233
Carteret 3328-A Bridges Street Moorehead City, NC 28557 252-727-0440
Craven 2111F Neuse Blvd. New Bern, NC 28560 252-636-3198
Granville 125 Charles D. Rollins Road Henderson NC 27536 252-433-9110
Caswell PO Box 664 Yanceyville NC 27379 336-694-1538
Cumberland 351 Wagoner Drive Suite 200 Fayetteville NC 28303-4608 910-867-9700
Greene 1465 Hwy. 258 North Kinston, NC 28504 252-939-1200
Chatham 200 Sanford Highway Suite 4 Pittsboro NC 27312 919-542-7449
Camden 1403 Parkview Drive
Franklin 125 Charles D. Rollins Road Henderson NC 27536 252-433-9110
Graham 116 Jackson Street Sylva NC 28779 828-586-0661
Buncombe 2229 Riverside Drive Asheville NC 28804 828-285-9333
Caldwell 916 West Avenue Lenoir NC 28645 828-426-KIDS
Forsyth 7820 North Point Boulevard Suite 200 Winston-Salem NC 27106 336-725-6011
Columbus 109 West Main Street Whiteville NC 28472 910-642-8226
Catawba PO Box 3123 Hickory NC 28603-3123 828-695-6505
Cabarrus 2353 Concord Lake Rd Suite 160 Concord NC 28025 704-262-3683
Edgecombe PO Box 1245 Rocky Mount NC 27802-1245 252-985-4300
Edgewood Center Elizabeth City NC 27909-6533 252-333-1233
Brunswick 5140 Sellers Street Shallotte NC 28459 910-754-3166
Burke PO Box 630 Morganton NC 28680 828-439-2326
Durham, NC 27703 919-403-6960
Cherokee 116 Jackson Street Sylva NC 28779 828-586-0661 Chowan 409 Old Hertford Road Edenton, NC 27932 252-482-3035 Clay 116 Jackson Street Sylva NC 28779 828-586-0661 Cleveland PO Box 1468 Shelby NC 28151-1468 704-480-5620
Guilford Currituck 122 North Elm Street 1403 Parkview Drive Suite 1010 Edgewood Center Greensboro NC 27401 Elizabeth City NC 27909-6533 336-274-5437 252-333-1233 Halifax Dare PO Box 2539 Kill Devil Hills NC 27948 252-441-0614 Davidson 235 East Center Street Lexington, NC 27292 336-249-6688 Davie 965 Yadkinville Road Mocksville NC 27028 336-751-2113 Duplin PO Box 989 Kenansville NC 28349 910-296-2000 Durham 1201 S. Briggs Avenue Suite 210
PO Box 339 Roanoke Rapids NC 27870 252-537-5621 Harnett 1901-G N. Main Street Lillington NC 27546 910-893-2344 Haywood 116 Jackson Street Sylva NC 28779 828-586-0661
Hoke PO Box 1209 Raeford NC 28376 910-904-5452
Montgomery 404-A North Main Street Troy NC 27371 910-576-2363
Richmond PO Box 1944 Rockingham NC 28380-1944 910-997-3773
Vance 125 Charles D. Rollins Road Henderson NC 27536 252-433-9110
Hyde 979 Washington Square Mall Washington, NC 27889 252-975-4647
Moore 7720 NC Hwy 22, Suite C Carthage, NC 28327 910-949-4045
Robeson 210 East 2nd. St. Lumberton, NC 28358 910-738-6767
Iredell 433 South Meeting St Statesville NC 28677 704-878-9980
Nash PO Box 1245 Rocky Mount NC 27802-1245 252-985-4300
Rockingham PO Box 325 Wentworth NC 27375-0325 336-342-9676
Wake 4901 Waters Edge Drive Suite 101 Raleigh NC 27606 919-851-9550
Jackson 116 Jackson Street Sylva NC 28779 828-586-0661
New Hanover 3534-F South College Road Wilmington NC 28412 910-815-3731
Rowan 1839 W. Jake Alexander Blvd. Salisbury, NC 28147 704-630-9085
Johnston 1406-A S Pollock Street Selma NC 27576 919-202-0002
Northampton 8380 NC 305 Hwy Jackson NC 27845 252-534-9921
Rutherford PO Box 823 Spindale NC 28160-0823 828-287-2775
Jones PO Box 186 Trenton NC 28585 252-448-5272
Onslow 900 Dennis Road Jacksonville, NC 28546 910-938-0336
Sampson 211 West Main Street Clinton NC 28328-4049 910-592-9399
Lee 143 Chatham Street Sanford NC 27330 919-774-9496
Orange 120 Providence Rd Suite 101 Chapel Hill NC 27514 919-967-9091
Scotland PO Box 586 Laurinburg NC 28353 910-276-3333
Lenoir 1465 Hwy. 258 North Kinston, NC 28504 252-939-1200 Lincoln 120 Roechling Street Dallas NC 28034 704-922-0900 Macon 116 Jackson Street Sylva NC 28779 828-586-0661 Madison P.O. Box 1657 Mars Hill, NC 28754 828-689-1526 Martin 115 Eastbrook Drive Greenville NC 27858 252-756-1567 McDowell 54 College Drive, Bldg. 4, Rm. 12 Marion NC 28752 828-659-0460
Henderson 851 Case Street Suite 208 Hendersonville NC 28792 828-693-1580
Mecklenburg 601 E. 5th Street Suite 500 Charlotte NC 28202 704-377-6588
Hertford PO Box 504 Murfreesboro NC 27855 252-398-4124
Mitchell PO Box 1387 Burnsville NC 28714 828-682-0047
Pamlico PO Box 612 Bayboro NC 28515-0612 252-745-7850
Stanly PO Box 2165 Albemarle NC 28002 704-982-2038
Pasquotank 1403 Parkview Drive Edgewood Center Elizabeth City NC 27909-6533 252-333-1233
Stokes 151 Jefferson Church Rd Suite 104 P.O. Box 2319 King, NC 27021 336-985-2676
Pender 600 N. Timberly Lane Burgaw NC 28425 910-259-9978
Surry PO Box 7050 Mt Airy NC 27030 336-786-1880
Perquimans 409 Old Hertford Road Edenton, NC 27932 252-482-3035
Swain 116 Jackson Street Sylva NC 28779 828-586-0661
Person 111 South Main Street Roxboro NC 27573 336-599-3773
Transylvania Professional Plaza 93 N. Broad Street, Suites D/E Brevard NC 28712 828-877-3025
Pitt 115 Eastbrook Drive Greenville NC 27858 252-756-1567 Polk PO Box 823 Spindale NC 28160-0823 828-287-2775 Randolph 349 Sunset Avenue Asheboro NC 27203 336-629-2128
Tyrrell 125-B West Water St Plymouth NC 27962 252-793-5437 Union PO Box 988 Monroe NC 28111 704-226-1407
Warren PO Box 339 Roanoke Rapids NC 27870 252-537-5621 Washington 125-B West Water St Plymouth NC 27962 252-793-5437 Watauga 225 Birch Street, Suite 3 Boone, NC 28607 828-262-5424 Wayne 800 North William Street Goldsboro, NC 27530 919-735-3371 Wilkes PO Box 788 North Wilkesboro NC 28659 336-838-0977 Wilson 109 Park Avenue PO Box 2661 Wilson NC 27893 252-206-4235 Yadkin PO Box 39 Yadkinville NC 27055 336-679-7833 Yancey PO Box 1387 Burnsville NC 28714 828-682-0047
Week of the Young Child -- Page 16
Has Your Child Had a “Well” Checkup? According to the County Health Rankings Report, 2014, Columbus County ranks at the bottom (100th out of 100) in overall health compared to other counties in the state. Even though your child is up to date on immunizations, he or she still needs a well-child checkup. Getting a checkup is as easy as 1, 2, 3! 1.
Identify your child’s medical home.
2.
Make an appointment for a well-child checkup.
3.
Keep the appointment.
For information about Health Check (Children’s Medicaid) or help making your child’s appointment, contact the Health Check Coordinator at 910-259-9120 or 1-877-634-3379 for assistance. No transportation? Call 910-642-7201 to see if your child qualifies for free medical transportation. Para asistencia o información en español, llame al 910-640-6615, ext. 256. The Columbus County Partnership for Children seeks to provide the options and resources necessary for children to enter school healthy and prepared to succeed. Presenters are available to visit businesses, churches, civic or community organizations to further explain Smart Start. Call 910-642-8226 to schedule a presenter. Visit the Partnership on the web at www.columbussmartstart.org.
Regular check-ups are important. Recommended Well-Child Check-up schedule: 2 weeks old 2 months old 4 months old 6 months old 9 or 15 months old 12 months old 18 months old 2 years 2-20 years old, once a year Foster Care Children: Twice a year for ages 2 years – 20 years, after 20 years old, once a year