JoeAnn Ballard spent her childhood as one of 45 foster children being raised by her great aunt and uncle in rural Mississippi. This experience turned out to be one of the best things to happen to her; saving her from an unhealthy home and showing her what love and care looked like.
Believe it or not, preparing a child for school starts the day you bring them home from the hospital. The term “school readiness” has become a hot topic in recent years- creating a flurry of media interest, “how to” guide books, websites, scholarly debates, and academic research. Fortunately, the best things you can do for your child to prepare them for school are also the simplest and most natural.
For Children, Early 'Touch' has Staying and Growing Power
September 9, 2011
Small hands grasp your nose as you stare down at the tiny miracle in your lap. You read focus and amazement in your baby's eyes as he/she scans your skin and features, tugging curiously at your ears and hair. It may all seem like quiet, peaceful fun, but the attachment your baby is making with you through touch is preparing his/her brain for a lifetime of learning.
We are now officially in the campaign season for the City of Memphis. We hope that our children, especially the youngest ones, aren’t overlooked as they often are in the blizzard of questionnaires sent to candidates by politically active groups and in the campaign speeches by candidates.
The Urban Child Institute today released the sixth edition of its definitive publication about the state of children in Memphis and Shelby County, Data Book 2011, a comprehensive report that annually presents the facts about our community's children.
The Tennessee Department of Health announced last September that Shelby County ranked last among Tennessee's 95 counties for the healthy growth and development of children and families. The finding was based on a statewide needs assessment that identified risk factors affecting families' health and well-being. The factors included rates of infant mortality and teen pregnancy, as well as exposure to poverty, domestic violence and crime.
