This article is provided courtesy of the National Association for the Education of Young Children Working together to keep children healthy Key strategies for keeping children healthy. Children's health and safety is a primary concern to parents and teachers alike. Because millions of families are currently uninsured, many children are not getting the childhood immunizations, developmental screenings, early intervention services, or routine health care necessary to keep them healthy. Some of these families may be eligible for Medicaid, but for those whose income is too high other options have not previously been available.
Many families are now eligible for free or low-cost health insurance for their children.
This federal-state program is designed to provide working families with health insurance for their children. Early childhood programs can help families access health insurance. Early childhood programs and schools can play an important role in disseminating CHIP information. Some programs distribute fliers and applications, others arrange for state representatives to speak to parents and staff, and in some states program staff assist families with the application process. Distribute CHIP information widely to families in your community.