Healthy Children

416 J. Clyde Morris Blvd | Newport News, VA 23601 | (757) 594-7311

Our public health nurses and health educators are available to provide program information, educational presentations, and community classes about the following program areas.  Call 594-7311 for more information.

• Childhood Obesity Prevention
• Child Safety and Injury Prevention (Safety Seat Program)
• Child Care Health Consultant
• Dental Health Education
• Asthma Education

Childhood Obesity Prevention Program

I Am Moving I Am Learning – A program of moderate to vigorous physical activities for pre-school children with a focus on gross motor skill and encouraging children to move with intensity during indoor and outdoor activities.
Our target audience – all preschools, daycares and academies located in York County, Poquoson, James City County, Newport News and Williamsburg.
 
Kids Kick Start – A program of physical fitness and nutritional education to kids, including activities such as warm-ups, hand rings, hula hoop, jump rope, dancing and movement.
Our target audience – preschools, daycares, churches, after school programs, academies and schools.

Healthy You’s Count Down to Family Fitness (5-4-3-2-1) – A program encouraging families to have:
5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day
4 servings of water (and say “no” to soft drinks, sodas and sweetened drinks)
3 servings of low-fat dairy
2 hours of less of screen time per day
1 hour or more of physical activity every day
Our target audience – WIC clients of the Peninsula Health District.
                                                                                  
For more information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Obesity Prevention
Let’s Move
Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters Healthy You
Peninsula Health District WIC Program

Child Safety and Injury Prevention Program

Safety Seat Distribution and Education Program

This program is offered free of charge to eligible families statewide.  Classes are scheduled twice a month by appointment.  Classes are available in Spanish.  Each participant has hands on training for proper installation of a convertible or booster car seat, which is provided free of charge (one per child) upon class completion.

To qualify for a free child safety seat, the applicant must be:

• A resident of Virginia and the Peninsula Health District. If parent is not a U.S. citizen, the baby will be eligible after birth.
• Medicaid, WIC, or FAMIS eligible or meet program income eligibility guidelines. Military applicants must meet income guidelines and have resided in Virginia for a minimum of 6 months (proof of income/LES and residency required).
• A parent, legal guardian, or foster parent of the child (proof required – court documentation, etc.).
• Applying for a newborn who weighs 5 pounds or more or for a child seven years old or younger (as long as the child’s height and weight the program’s safety seat manufacturer guidelines).  Applications prior to an infant’s birth are accepted during the last trimester of pregnancy (months 7–9).  Twins require doctor’s note on prescription pad/letterhead or ultrasound with name and date imprinted on the picture border, otherwise only one (1) seat will be issued.
• Must attend a safety seat installation and use class.
• Sign a waiver of liability release form.

For more information:
VDH’s Division of Injury and Violence Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Injury Prevention

Child Care Health Consultant Program

The Child Care Health Consultant (CHCC) is an experienced public health nurse who provides expert guidance and technical assistance to child care providers, including in-home care providers, on a wide range of health and safety topics to include special health, medical and behavior needs.  Through partnership with the child care provider, the Child Care Health Consultant:

• Conducts child care staff training on topics such as health observation, blood borne pathogens and communicable disease prevention, playground safety and supervision, recognizing signs of child abuse, and other subjects.
• Assesses health and safety needs and practices in the child care setting.
• Helps caregivers develop strategies for caring for children with special health needs.
• Assists the provider in establishing policies and procedures for health/safety emergencies.
• Provides health education and wellness programs, as well as health screenings.
• Offers solutions for managing injuries or infectious diseases within the child care setting.
• Connects caregivers and families with community health care resources and experts.
• Provides up-to-date information on the latest guidelines, policies, and information regarding child health and safety.
• Offers hands-on support through telephone advice and/or regular on-site visits.
• Provides community resource and referral information.

For more information:
VDH’s Division of Child and Adolescent Health
Bright Futures Virginia
American Academy of Pediatrics’ Healthy Child Care America

Dental Health Education Program

In partnership with our public schools, the health educator teaches young elementary schools students about oral and dental health during regular school hours.  Children in grades K to 2 receive dental education and training about proper brushing and flossing of teeth.  By following VDH’s Saving Smiles Oral Health Education Curriculum, the children learn grade-appropriate oral health information that meets the Health Education SOLs.  Children get to demonstrate proficiency using hands-on models of the mouth and teeth.  The health educator works with parents and teachers during PTA Fun and Fitness events to encourage reinforcement of oral health behaviors at home and throughout the school year. 

For more information:
VDH’s Division of Dental Health

Asthma Education Program

The district’s asthma education program provides those who care for children in daycares, preschools, schools, and community agencies/programs with improved knowledge and skills about asthma.  Using the American Lung Association’s Asthma 101 curriculum, child care providers and teachers learn basic information about asthma and its management, internal and external trigger recognition, and the three zones of an asthmatic event.  They learn how using an “Asthma Action Plan” provides for individualized interventions for an asthmatic child.  Asthma 101 can be provided on-site and is available to other groups upon request. 

For more information:
VDH’s Division of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control