In order to be successful in school and in life, children need access to preventive health care services and to have safe, nurturing physical environments in which to explore and play. Families, legislators, child care providers, and health professionals can and should work together to ensure that children receive immunizations and developmental screenings and ongoing care through a medical home; that they have access to comprehensive, coordinated social services; and that preventative measures are taken to avoid unintentional physical injury either in the home or in an early care and education setting. Exposure to an unsafe physical environment, whether sustained or acute, can cause illness, disablement, and even death. Organizations and advocates can work together to research the issues and provide public education campaigns, to facilitate changes in regulations and oversight of child care facilities, and to encourage the enactment of laws so that children’s well-being is conserved, both in and outside of the home.
Resources
