April is the Month of the Young Child: Governor Scott Walker Issues Proclamation

Kimberly, WI, April 09, 2015 --(PR.com)-- Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has issued a proclamation recognizing April 2015 as the Month of the Young Child.

The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (http://WIAAP.org) applauds this recognition of the efforts of WIAAP and state and regional organizations working toward enriching the experiences of Wisconsin’s children during the first 1,000 days of life.

WIAAP President Jeff Britton, MD, FAAP, said, “Children's physical and emotional well-being is largely shaped during the earliest period in their lives.”

There are approximately 353,000 children[1] under the age of 4 in the state, nearly 70% of whom are in licensed child care.[2] Collaboration to enrich these and other early childhood experiences such as care within a medical home, home visiting, services for children and youth with special health care needs and families in poverty is a key WIAAP strategic priority.

WIAAP is a part of the Governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC), which examines issues ranging from care and education to universal screening and assessment. “Assembling a group of professionals from all systems and disciplines is critical to shaping policies and practices that safeguard children’s early brain development and literacy, and protects them from negative or neglectful environmental influences,” emphasized pediatrician Mala Mathur, MD, MPH, FAAP, Vice President of WIAAP who has expertise in child development.

Wisconsin legislators Rep. Joan Ballweg (Chair) and Sen. Alberta Darling (Vice Chair) lead a Joint Legislative Council Steering Committee on Supporting Healthy Early Brain Development acknowledging the importance of integrated, quality care and supports for all families and caregivers. “Children live in the context of their families, so support for their families is crucial for their healthy development. We applaud the Council’s bringing these issues to the forefront,” emphasized Britton.

Comprising nearly 1,000 members and a part of the American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org) WIAAP works to assure optimal health and safety for Wisconsin’s children and their families through advocacy and collaboration with child interest groups. WIAAP supports Wisconsin pediatricians, enabling them to continue to be the most effective providers of health care to children. The American Academy of Pediatrics is committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

[1] Source: http://usa.childcareaware.org/sites/default/files/19000000_state_fact_sheets_2014_v04.pdf

[2] Source: http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/childcare/licensed/SummaryReports/pdf/annualreport2013.pdf