We want social distancing, not social isolation

March 10, 2020.Reading time 9 minutes.

In light of the coronavirus outbreak in King County and our current community recommendations, Best Starts for Kids shares resources and ideas to help fight social isolation in the midst of social distancing.

Offering Child Care Providers The Support They Need to Help Children Thrive

July 23, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

Whether they work at a center, are based at home, are informal caregivers, or are in a preschool classroom, King County’s child care providers are dedicated to the healthy development and school readiness of all the children in their care. The Child Care Health Consultation program offers free consultation with public health nurses and other specialists in health education and child development. Building upon Public Health’s Child Care Health Consultation program, Best Starts for Kids expanded services. In 2018, more than 500 child care providers and caregivers participated thanks to Best Starts funding. Learn more about this amazing strength-based resource.

What can we do about trauma? A whole school, whole child approach

April 3, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

Schools can be a critical place to help build resilience and healing, not just for students, but for families and the larger community.. See how this is taking place at schools in our region.

Every body can play! Easy ways to say “yes!” to kids with disabilities

January 15, 2019.Reading time 6 minutes.

Whether they meet at the playground or on the soccer field, kids exude joy when they play together. But for many families that include a child with a disability, this simple joy can be hard to reach.

New school health centers promote “whole child” approach

May 25, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

School-based health centers are improving health (and academics) for youth at more than 30 schools in King County – and this year, the number of schools participating is expanding, through Best Starts for Kids. The centers bring medical and mental health services right where it’s easiest for students to access – in clinics that are […]

Communities of Opportunity expands investments to increase civic engagement and strengthen connections

March 28, 2018.Reading time 1 minute.

Communities of Opportunity, a partnership that includes Public Health – Seattle & King County, is expanding efforts to help neighborhoods and cultural communities contribute to better health, safe and affordable housing, economic opportunity and stronger community connections for residents. The approach focuses on sharing power and decision-making with community partners, supporting community-led solutions and working […]