| Learning Objective #1: Describe the challenges and benefits of establishing an interdisciplinary community-based project focused on at-risk children | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Outline the unique contributions of the nursing discipline to the health and well-being of at-risk children |
As Florida plans for the new millennium, economic and social changes in the state call for child health care and early childhood education to be at the top of the agenda. The purpose of this presentation is to describe a 5-year initiative to design and field-test a model for a statewide "support structure" for Florida's emerging school readiness system that will ensure that all children will enter school healthy, eager to learn, and ready to succeed. The model is being developed as a result of a partnership among nursing, education, psychology and the local school districts.
Creating this model requires change on at least two levels: Change in people and change in systems. The first level of change must happen with individuals as they are asked to adopt change and to recognize the perspective and values of other disciplines. The second level of change is focused on organizational conditions. Current conditions inhibit continuous learning and present barriers to obtaining health services and promoting overall well-being. New structures will provide opportunities and eliminate barriers in promoting the health and well-being of at-risk children culminating in readiness for school success.
Nursing as a discipline interested in promoting health, preventing disease and enhancing overall well-being is an essential contributor to this collaborative partnership. The literature clearly identifies the role a child’s physical health plays in school attendance and success. This presentation will outline the process and outcomes of developing a collaborative partnership among disciplines and applying scholarly knowledge in community settings through partnerships. In addition, the results of the beta testing of the proposed model with at risk 3-5 year olds in a designated Headstart setting illustrating the correlation of physical health, social and emotional development, cognitive development and continuity of care with school readiness will be presented.
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