The early years of life are an important time to support lifelong physical, social, and emotional well-being. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive” initiative, as many as one in four children ages 0 to 5 are at moderate or high risk for developmental, behavioral, or social delays. Early interventions can give you and your child a head start toward success.
Early childhood interventions include:
- Tracking growth and developmental milestones
- Completing hearing, vision, and dental screenings
- Getting recommended vaccinations
- Ensuring access to nutritious foods
- Providing a safe and supportive environment
Vaya’s child and family wellness program aligns with the North Carolina Early Childhood Action Plan. This plan states all children will get a healthy start and develop to their full potential in safe and nurturing families, schools, and communities.
Child and family wellness: services and resources
Attending routine well-child visits gives your family access to preventive care and screenings, which play an important role in helping your child develop and learn. Review the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended well-child visit schedule.
Early screenings can find conditions that may lead to possible delays or concerns with your child’s learning and development. Here are some of the screenings your child should receive:
Hearing screenings
- A hearing screening is required at birth for all infants before leaving the hospital.
- Pediatricians perform hearing screenings at well-child visits starting at age 4.
- Many school systems conduct hearing screenings. These help identify children with disabilities or other conditions who may need special education or related services.
Developmental and behavioral screenings
- This screening includes questions about your child’s language, movement, social, and emotional skills.
- The AAP recommends developmental surveillance at every well-child visit and a specific developmental screening during visits at 9, 18, and 30 months.
- Additionally, autism spectrum disorder screening occurs during well-child visits at 18 and 24 months.
- If a potential developmental delay is found, referral to the North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program for in-home early intervention services has been shown to dramatically improve outcomes later in life. Learn more about self-referring to the program if you have a concern.
Vision screenings
- The AAP recommends vision risk assessments at every well-child visit until 30 months and routine vision screenings starting at age 3-6, then every other year until age 15.
- Public schools perform universal vision screenings for all children prior to enrolling.
Dental screenings
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and AAP recommend taking your child to the dentist by their first birthday to spot signs of problems early.
- The AAP recommends pediatricians apply fluoride varnish to prevent tooth decay starting at 6 months (or when the first tooth emerges) and every six months afterward.
Lead screenings
- The AAP and CDC recommend a blood lead test for all children ages 1-2 and children ages 3-6 who have not been screened.
- Lead exposure can lead to developmental delays and cognitive deficits. Early identification and removal of the lead source prevents further harm.
Vaccinations are important to protect you and your family from getting and spreading preventable diseases. Attending annual well visits keeps your child on track with recommended vaccinations that protect them and keep them healthy. Adults should also receive recommended yearly vaccines, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more about vaccines available to you.
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program that provides healthy food and health care support for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under age 5.
Before starting the application process, you can complete the online WIC Eligibility Tool to check if you meet eligibility requirements.
To apply for WIC, contact your local WIC agency or fill out the online North Carolina WIC Families Referral Form. For more information, including a directory of local WIC offices, see the North Carolina WIC Program webpage.
Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a strong influence over a child’s development. According to the CDC, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are an important public health issue. Learn how to help prevent ACEs by using strategies to create safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for children.
Vaya is committed to improving the health of mothers and newborns. Talk with your provider today about how they can support you with pregnancy planning, prenatal health, and postpartum care.
Pregnancy planning
Planning to become pregnant? The CDC has tips on how to plan for a healthy pregnancy:
- Speak with your provider about fertility and family planning
- Prepare your body for pregnancy by engaging in a healthy lifestyle
- Take a prenatal vitamin with folic acid two to three months before you conceive (folic acid helps protect your future baby against neural tube defects, such as spina bifida)
- Take control of any current medical or mental health conditions
- Learn about your family’s health history
- Wait at least 18 months between giving birth and getting pregnant again to decrease your risk of premature birth (premature birth can cause health problems for your baby)
Pregnancy health
Pregnancy can be both an exciting and challenging time. The CDC has tips for maintaining a healthy pregnancy:
- Set up early and regular prenatal visits with your health care provider
- Maintain your health and the baby’s by taking folic acid and getting regular physical activity
- Learn about risks associated with substance use during pregnancy
- Take control of any medical or mental health conditions
If you receive Tailored Care Management through Vaya, you may qualify for our Prevention and Population Health Program for pregnant members. Ask your care manager about a referral today.
Preparing for birth
There are a variety of ways to prepare for your baby’s arrival. The CDC outlines steps you can take during pregnancy to give your baby a healthy start in life:
- Learn about child safety seats
- Understand safe sleep and reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Learn about the health benefits of breastfeeding
Postpartum health following pregnancy
Vaya wants to help keep you and your new baby healthy and thriving following delivery. The CDC has tips on keeping you and your baby healthy and safe:
- Managing physical and emotional changes after your baby is born
- Care for the baby while managing your own healing
- Understand newborn screenings, well-child visits, and immunizations
- Ensure newborn and child safety
To support child and family wellness, Vaya offers extra benefits and incentives for Vaya Total Care members who qualify. Learn more about Vaya Total Care Perks for wellness activities, pregnancy, education, and more.
- NCCARE360 is the first statewide coordinated care network to better connect individuals to local services and resources.
- 2-1-1 is a comprehensive source of information about local resources and services.
- The North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program provides support and services to families with children ages 0-3 who qualify.
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library supports early literacy by providing books free of charge to children from birth to age 5.
