Aug. 23 Children's Policy Series Forum: Building Healthy Foundations for Young Kids

Please join us on Tuesday, August 23 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm for the next edition of the Children's Policy Series, a new effort to break down the artificial walls between children's policy issues and bring Texans together to identify policy strategies to improve child well-being. The August 23rd forum will look at Building Healthy Foundations for Young Kids

What happens during the first 1,000 days — from the beginning of a woman’s pregnancy to a child's second birthday — significantly shapes the course of a child's life. Skills and risks that develop during this critical period are cumulative and form a kid's foundation — building his or her ability to grow, talk, walk, learn, work, and succeed throughout life. Investing in this critical window of opportunity will ensure a strong, healthy start for Texas kids and families and by extension improve the long term health and prosperity of the state. 

The August 23rd forum will examine policy opportunities to improve early childhood health and development, including access to health care before, during, and after pregnancy; child care quality and safety; and early childhood interventions for kids with disabilities. The goal is to bring together diverse stakeholders to discuss the intersection of these issues, recognizing that all these issues are vital for ensuring a strong, healthy start and successful kids in Texas. 

A panel of speakers will be followed by a group discussion to identify current needs and policy opportunities to promote early childhood health and development. 

The following speakers are confirmed for the panel: 

  • Alice Bufkin, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Texas Women's Healthcare Coalition - Discussing the role of access to care before, during, and after pregnancy 
  • Kim Kofron, Program Director at Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TAEYC) - Highlighting caregiver-to-child ratios, quality, and safety in early care and education environments
  • Adriana Kohler, Senior Health Policy Associate at Texans Care for Children - Discussing access to healthy foods and active play opportunities in child care environments 
  • Stephanie Rubin, CEO at Texans Care for Children - Addressing the need for a strong Texas early intervention program to help kids with disabilities or developmental delays reach their goals

Building Healthy Foundations for Young Kids
Tuesday, August 23, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
1106 Clayton Lane, Room 203E
Austin, Texas

RSVP is welcomed but not required. For more information, please email [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you!