Delaware Survey of Children’s Health (DSCH)
Sponsored by Nemours Health and Prevention Services (NHPS), is one of the most comprehensive public health surveillance instruments regarding the health of Delaware’s children.
For Policy Makers
Communities all over are making strides to encourage healthier lifestyles for children by influencing national and local policies and practices. Read some articles and reports on recent actions in the drive to promote healthy eating and social development in children.
Healthy Eating Handouts & Resources
Nemours Health & Prevention Services (NHPS) believes changing policies and practices is often necessary to build healthy communities and promote healthy social development in children.
Read a series of policy briefs and strategies to help improve nutrition and encourage kids to eat healthy.
Grain Requirements for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program (2012): This memorandum explains grain requirements for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) and specifically addresses implementation and definition of whole grain products. Foods included were carefully determined to meet 24 nutrient targets.
USDA Announces New Criteria for the HealthierUS School Challenge (2012):
The Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service announces new criteria for the HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), a voluntary certification initiative established to recognize schools that have created healthier school environments through the promotion of nutrition and physical activity.
USDA Farm to School Grants Available (2012):
‘Farm to school’ programs connect schools with local producers in order to serve locally produced foods in school cafeterias. These grants help school districts support existing programs or design new endeavors and will be offered annually.
Why Delaware Should Maintain Nutrition Regulations for Child Care (2012):
Delaware’s regulations for child care, which specify nutritional requirements for food prepared and served by child care providers and food supplied by parents and guardians, are meant to ensure all children receive healthy foods and beverages they need for their growth and development.
Delaware’s Child Care Regulations Promote Healthy Child Development (2011):
Child care providers play an important role in nurturing the physical and emotional health of children. Collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit organizations can help establish regulations that teach healthy lifestyles.
The Need to Increase Participation in Delaware’s School Breakfast Program (2011):
Breakfast improves student learning and may contribute to a healthy weight. Children’s participation in school breakfast programs can be increased through a variety of mechanisms. These strategies and the importance of a nutritious school breakfast, especially for low-income students, are explained in this policy.
Emotional Wellness Handouts & Resources
Nemours Health & Prevention Services (NHPS) believes public health policy and practices can be effective in promoting healthy behaviors and positive social skills.
The Advantages of Providing Mental Health Services in the Primary Care Setting (2009)
This policy brief provides a rationale for integrating social and emotional development and mental health services in primary care as well as strategies for helping to ensure effectiveness.
Improving Children’s Social and Emotional Health through Delaware Child Care Policy (2008)
This brief outlines the importance of the child care setting in the development of a child's social and behavioral health, as well as the new Stars for Early Success quality rating and improvement system for early care facilities.
