School Readiness begins with Health/Mental Health and Well-Being for Children and Families

Health and Mental Health in the earliest years, including the health of a pregnant mother, lays the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being 

• Children with healthy teeth are better able to eat, speak, and focus on learning.
• Good nutrition is essential for children's brain development, provides energy to learn, and helps the body grow.
• Staying active benefits young children's physical and cognitive development. Moving activities build motor skills useful to reading, writing, and math skills.
• When children get enough sleep, they can pay attention, remember what they learn, and manage their feelings.
• When children use their senses to explore, it helps them learn about the world around them. A child's ability to see and hear affects their reading, writing, and speech and language skills.
• Children need positive relationships with adults who care for them. Early relationships shape children's learning and development. Responsive adults help children feel safe and valued.
• Children who can manage their feelings can learn and play with peers, are better able to plan, monitor, and control their behaviors, and can adjust to changes in schedules and routines.
• Children who get along with adults learn to work together and follow rules. They can also show concern, share, take turns, and compromise with children.
• When children play, they use their imagination and creativity. They also solve problems and learn to interact with others - skills that help them grow in all developmental areas.
  

 

When families are healthy, safe, and financially secure, they can better support their children's learning

• Overall health, food security, and health care accessibility.
• Safe and adequate housing, safe neighborhoods, and personal safety.
• Education, careers, and financial security.

 

Services listed in counties consist of agencies or programs available for young children and families. Categories include medical and dental health, mental health, disabilities, child protection services, TANF/SNAP/CHIP, Medicaid, home visiting, child and family well-being, adult education, and educational programs for children including libraries, museums, science centers, and outdoor activities in South Dakota.