Kansas Health Foundation - Children's Health

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Childhood passes in a flash – yet it is the most critical time of life for brain development. Most of this development occurs between birth and the age of five. By the time children reach their third birthday, they’ve developed nearly 85 percent of their adult brain structure. Research shows that what happens during these early years makes a lifelong impact. We’ve come to believe that nothing is more critical to Kansans’ health than helping children get a good start in life. Early brain development is one of the best, most effective uses of our resources.

Starting Early
Our “Build from Birth” campaign seeks to raise awareness of the important issue of early brain development. It features flashcards to promote interactivity between adults and children, brochures available in pediatricians’ offices and county health departments, and an interactive, educational website. Visitors can color an elephant, listen to a story, learn a rhyme and more.

The Wonder Years
We’ve always cared about the children of Kansas. Our passion grew in the 1990s and now children receive our strongest focus – specifically during the wonder years of birth to age five. You can look at these years as building blocks. Stack them right and they can lead to healthier adulthoods, both in terms of physical and emotional well-being. This elevates us all by developing people who give back, who care for their communities and future generations.

Mission
To improve the health of all Kansans by creating an environment that puts children first so they can grow up to be healthy, tolerant, thoughtful and contributing adults.

Economic Benefits
In addition to the cognitive and social benefits seen as children develop, early childhood development also makes sense economically. An investment in early brain development can produce major returns to society, as children who are given opportunities to develop early in life are more likely to establish healthy lifestyle patterns and live healthier lives. This translates into long-term benefits through job stability and improved health outcomes.

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