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  • Wellstar Foundation Receives Additional Funding to Support Child Literacy and Address Social Determinants of Health Through the Small TALK Program
Article Category: Highlights

Wellstar Foundation Receives Additional Funding to Support Child Literacy and Address Social Determinants of Health Through the Small TALK Program

Published on June 13, 2023

Last updated 03:08 PM June 13, 2023

Illustration of parent reading to child

Thanks to generous donations from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation and United Way, the Small TALKTM literacy development initiative will complete implementation in the Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center market and create a model to expand the literacy ecosystem system throughout Wellstar Health System and beyond.

With more than 80% of brain growth occurring in the first three years of life, early language development is vital for literacy proficiency. Third grade is a critical milestone – by this time, children switch from learning to read to reading to learn. In the Greater Atlanta area, only 1 in 5 third graders are strong readers. Those who are not reading proficiently by this time are four times more likely to drop out of high school, and Black children and children who speak English as a second language are disproportionately impacted, according to the Cox Campus - Literacy and Justice for All initiative.

The Literacy and Justice for All initiative, a coalition of leading organizations such as the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, United Way of Greater Atlanta, Atlanta Speech School Rollins Center, Marietta City Schools and Wellstar Health System, is committed to creating a literacy ecosystem in Georgia and ensuring that youth have the literacy skills needed to succeed in life.

Through an initial grant from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation, Wellstar Kennestone and its affiliated pediatric offices have implemented Small TALK and their OB/GYN offices will complete rollout of the program this fall. Leveraging learnings from Grady Health System’s Talk With Me Baby initiative, Wellstar’s expanded program supports children of all ages as they continue to learn and grow. Small TALK is designed to help families understand the ongoing importance of early language nutrition for healthy brain development and engage in meaningful, quality interactions that expand vocabulary, literacy skills and cognitive development. Wellstar is the only health system in Georgia to provide this level of literacy support throughout the entire spectrum of pediatric care, from pre-birth through third grade and beyond.

Dr. Susan Staviss, a pediatrician with Wellstar, is one of the first physicians to integrate the Small TALK program into patient appointments. “The literacy ecosystem starts with parents and families even before a baby is born, and it continues throughout childhood,” said Dr. Staviss. “Starting with our tiniest patients, we make a point of talking to the child just as much as we talk to the parent or caregiver. Through our interactions and with resources and coaching, we help the whole family see how easy and natural it is to begin building literacy skills early.”

Small TALK teaches parents and caregivers to tune in to their child’s interests and what they’re doing as well as regularly ask open-ended questions to encourage responses with more than one word. By using complete sentences and complex vocabulary when speaking to children, the child begins to learn how to lift their own language and grow cognitive understanding. Talking, reading, playing and singing together help even the youngest children establish these skills.

Recently, Wellstar Foundation received nearly $1 million in additional funding from the Whitehead Foundation to finish implementing Small TALK across its broad service area and expand the program into neonatal intensive care units, prenatal and mother/baby care appointments and throughout Wellstar women’s health services. This support will also help Wellstar begin to share the Small TALK program and resources with other communities and health systems as a national model for early childhood development and literacy.

“Literacy is a key social determinant of health, and a healthier future begins with the health and well-being of our young people,” said Julie Teer, president of the Wellstar Foundation. “Ensuring our kids have access to the care they need has never been more critical than it is today. At Wellstar, we care for the whole family, and we’re there for every life milestone. The Small TALK program is just one of many ways philanthropy and partnership is helping us meet families where they’re at with innovative, personalized care close to home. We’re grateful to have partners like the Whitehead Foundation who are helping accelerate this important work.”

Through philanthropy and community partnerships like the Literacy and Justice for All initiative, the Wellstar Foundation is helping transform healthcare and fueling innovation and action to address the vital needs of Georgia’s diverse urban, suburban and rural communities.

To learn more about the Wellstar Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit wellstar.org/give. If you’re preparing for the arrival of a new family member, you can learn more about prenatal care at wellstar.org/womenshealth. To find a pediatrician to keep your child healthy, visit wellstar.org/kidcare.

Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders visits Small TALK program

Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders visits Small TALK program

Wellstar CEO Candice Saunders visits Small TALK program

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Susan Gail Williams Staviss Wellstar Foundation KidCare
Womens Health
Related Articles
Smiling child with backpack and notebooks

Highlights

Marking Milestones with Wellstar Pediatricians

Because you and your child share the same goal—staying healthy and happy—your Wellstar pediatrician will partner with you both. Regular pediatric check-ups are beneficial for the whole family. Your family’s pediatrician will serve as a knowledgeable, trustworthy contact for all your health questions.

As children prepare for the new school year, one step families can take to stay healthy is to head to the pediatrician for an annual check-up.

“Children grow and change so much in their first few years of life,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “Therefore, it is very important they see their pediatrician every few months during this time.”

In early childhood, your family should see a pediatrician regularly, with check-ups at these ages:

  • The first week (3 to 5 days old)
  • 1 month old
  • 2 months old
  • 4 months old
  • 6 months old
  • 9 months old
  • 12 months old
  • 15 months old
  • 18 months old
  • 2 years old (24 months)
  • 2 ½ years old (30 months)

Starting at age 3, children and adolescents should see their pediatrician once a year through age 21, when they can switch to an adult primary care physician to continue their care.

Healthy kids at every age

Your family’s pediatrician will get to know you and your child, personalizing care as they grow. Check with their doctor to ensure your kids are up to date on their immunizations and protected from disease. Flu shots are also recommended every year for everyone at least six months old.

  • Ages 3 to 5. Preschool-age children stay busy conquering milestones like climbing, taking turns, showing affection for others and learning shapes and colors. The pediatrician will ask if you have any concerns and discuss your child’s health, including eating habits and activity levels.
  • Ages 5 to 12. At this age, your child is growing quickly—a little more than 2 inches a year—but your Wellstar clinician will help you and your child keep up with the changes. Nutrition is especially important at this age as your child goes through their growth spurts. Sometime between the ages of 7 and 11 in girls, and 9½ to 13½ in boys, children start experiencing hormonal changes, and your family’s pediatrician can help your child stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
  • Teens. At this age, patients may have their own questions about their health and will have the opportunity to speak with their pediatrician alone. A check-up will include a physical exam, hearing and vision tests, and lab work like blood tests. The exam will likely include several screenings such as checking for scoliosis, measuring blood pressure and listening to the heart with a stethoscope. 

To get your child all set for a healthy school year, visit wellstar.org/kidcare to learn more about our expert pediatricians and book an appointment online.

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Photo of celery caterpillars. Text reads "5 Fun & Easy After-School Snacks. Family tested. Pediatrician approved."

Highlights

5 Fun and Easy After-School Snacks

By Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, Wellstar pediatrician

When school is in session, finding the perfect after-school snack that balances nutrition and deliciousness can feel like quite a task. As a board-certified Wellstar pediatrician, I understand the importance of fueling growing bodies with the right nutrients. With that, I'm excited to share five wholesome after-school snack ideas that are easy to make and fun for kids to eat. 

1. Celery Caterpillars

This creative snack recipe offers a good balance of protein from peanut butter, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables, providing essential vitamins and antioxidants for growing children.

What You’ll Need:
Peanut butter
Celery
Grapes
Blueberries
Grape tomatoes
Candy eyes

Directions:

  1. Fill stalks of celery with peanut butter.
  2. Place grapes, blueberries or grape tomatoes atop celery sticks. These will be the body and head of your caterpillars. 
  3. Apply peanut butter to the backs of candy eyes, then place eyes on grape, tomato or blueberry to create face.
  4. Optional: Cut thin matchsticks from a celery stick and place behind candy eyes to create the antennae. 

2. Apple Sailboats

This recipe is excellent for kids as it combines the crisp sweetness of apples, a good source of fiber and vitamins, with protein-rich peanut butter and the added crunch of Cheerios to create a tasty and nutritionally balanced snack. Toothpicks may be a choking hazard for children, so supervise as your family makes and enjoys this snack. 

What You’ll Need:
One apple
Peanut butter
Cheerios
Low-fat cheese
Toothpicks

Directions:

  1. Cut apple in half and remove the apple’s core. 
  2. Spread peanut butter across the flat side of your apple halves. 
  3. Place Cheerios on top of peanut butter spread. 
  4. Using a thick slice of cheese, cut triangular sails for your apple boats. 
  5. Attach sail to boat using toothpick.

3. Krazy Kabobs 

This krazy kabob recipe is a playful and nutritious way to encourage children to enjoy a variety of fruits. Filled with hydrating watermelon, sweet cantaloupe, refreshing honeydew, juicy pineapple, antioxidant-rich blueberries and grapes, these skewers provide a spectrum of vitamins and flavors, promoting a fun and healthy snacking experience for young taste buds.

What You’ll Need:
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Honeydew
Pineapple
Blueberries
Grapes
Wood skewers
Fruit-shape cutters (stars, hearts, etc.)

Directions:

  1. Cut horizontal slices of your larger fruits (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew). 
  2. Use your fruit cutters to cut shapes out of your fruit slices. 
  3. Place any creative combination of fruits or fruit shapes onto your skewer to create the ultimate krazy kabob.

4. Veggie Cars

This wholesome veggie car recipe is a fun way to encourage children to enjoy their vegetables. With vibrant baby peppers and baby cucumbers, the snack not only provides essential vitamins, but also engages kids in a fun, hands-on experience of assembling their own veggie cars, promoting both healthy eating and interactive play. Toothpicks may be a choking hazard for children.

What You’ll Need:
10 baby peppers
Six baby cucumbers
Toothpicks

Directions:

  1. Slice cucumbers into half-inch rounds, discarding the ends. These will be your wheels. 
  2. Place two toothpicks through each pepper. The toothpicks will serve as the axels to your cars. 
  3. Push one cucumber round onto the ends of each toothpick to form the full car.

5. Banana Lollipops 

These banana lollipops offer a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional sweets. With the natural sweetness of bananas and the richness of dark chocolate, the recipe makes for an enjoyable, nutritious after-school snack for kids of all ages.  

What You’ll Need:
One banana
Chopped dark chocolate bar
Popsicle sticks
Wax paper and baking sheet

Directions:
  1. Unpeel banana and slice into inch-thick rounds, discarding the ends. 
  2. Insert one popsicle stick into each round. 
  3. Place chopped dark chocolate into microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted. 
  4. Dip each banana round into chocolate.
  5. Place popsicles onto wax paper-covered baking sheet and let freeze for 45 minutes.  

As a pediatrician dedicated to the well-being of children, these snack ideas offer more than delicious bites—they pave the way for a lifetime of healthy habits. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables, these recipes not only provide essential vitamins and minerals, but also engage young minds in the joy of preparing and enjoying wholesome foods. Learn more about how to keep your kids happy and healthy by scheduling an appointment with a world-class Wellstar pediatrician today. 

A graduate of New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Dr. Joanna Dolgoff is a board-certified pediatrician with Wellstar.

Photo of Dr. Joanna Dolgoff. Text reads "Joanna Dolgoff, MD, pediatrics. Dr. Joanna Dolgoff is a board-certified pediatrician with Wellstar."

Wellstar’s content, and all related media, are provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. Consult a pediatrician for the diet that’s best for your child.

Keep reading
Illustration of parent speaking with child

Highlights

BackToSchoolCare: Helping Your Child With Stress & Anxiety

The new school year comes with a lot of change for children—a different classroom, teacher, peers, learning material and routine. These changes can cause stress and anxiety in some children and teens, especially if they struggle in school and dread going back.

How to respond to stress

Kids and teens of all ages can feel stress at times, and that’s normal. It’s essentially a signal to get ready for what’s coming. With typical back-to-school stress, a parent or caretaker can help adolescents start the school year with confidence—and gain important coping skills—with the following tips.

  1. Listen and validate your child or teen’s feelings.
  2. Talk through what they can expect of everything from the morning routine to the bus ride to the school day and dismissal.
  3. Visit the school and the classroom, especially if the child is younger or is new to the school.
  4. Check in with your child about how the year is going so far.
  5. Look ahead at what the rest of the year could be like.

Recognize chronic stress and anxiety

Stress can be good for kids. But on the other hand, chronic stress and anxiety that lasts for more than a few weeks aren’t healthy. In recent years, Wellstar Pediatrician Dr.  Andrew Doyle has noticed a growing number of adolescents, especially females, have anxiety.

“It’s normal to have stress; it’s not normal to have anxiety,” Dr. Doyle said. “Understandably you get nervous with new situations that make you uncomfortable, but you’re still able to do it and have fun. Significant anxiety starts to interfere with a child or teen’s ability to do what they need to do—homework, school, social situations. That’s when it’s helpful to get it checked out.”

In addition to having difficulty participating in and completing activities, signs of anxiety in children and adolescents can include difficulty sleeping, abdominal pain, headaches, significant changes in appetite or an explosive temper.

Effective treatments include lifestyle changes, medication and therapy. For example, lifestyle changes can include getting enough sleep, exercising, eating a healthy diet and planning downtime from social media and life responsibilities.

“Therapy and role-playing can help you recognize your stressors and think through how to handle them ahead of time so you can face those situations,” he said. “For example, on exam day, start with positive self-talk. You can say, ‘I’m feeling nervous. I have a headache and an upset stomach. I know that’s because I’m anxious. I’ve taken many tests before and I can do this, so I don’t need to worry about it.’ Breathing exercises before the test can help you stay calm.”

Start the year strong with a wellness screening

Another way to begin the school year right is to check in on your child’s emotional and physical health. Wellstar pediatricians will get to know your child and help them live their healthiest.

“I try to do whatever I can to help our patients and families so that when they leave my office, I've given them something to hold onto that is going to make life better for them,” Dr. Doyle said.

Find a pediatrician near you and book your child’s back to school exam so they can start the year strong.

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