Health & Mental Health

The physical and mental health of children and their families are foundational to healthy development. We know that before and during a pregnancy, the health and well-being of the mother is critically important and that most brain development happens in the early years. We also know that stress, health and mental health challenges can have adverse effects on development so having access to health and mental health supports is vitally important.

Overall wellness for young children and families often looks like a connection to a medical home – including a pediatrician for children, and primary care providers for the adults in the family. Wellness for families also includes a well balanced diet with foods rich in the vitamins and nutrients young children need to grow. Other equally important components are oral health, suitable housing, access to safe outdoor spaces, exercise and movement. Regular visits with a pediatrician that incorporates all of these aspects of health for the whole family will help to ensure healthy development. For more information check out the resources below!

Health Resources

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

Cambridge Public Health Department – Children’s Health

Nutrition Resources

Women,-Infants,-and-Children-Nutrition-Program-image

Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program (WIC)

WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify.

Healthy Eating and Active Living

H.E.A.L. oversees Cambridge in Motion, which is part of a statewide program, Mass. in Motion. Check out their food, nutrition and physical activity resources, including the Cambridge Food Resource Guide.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is monthly money for food for Massachusetts residents who qualify. See if you qualify HERE.

Dental Resources

Cambridge Public Health Department Children’s Dental Health

Children with Developmental, Mental Health, and Special Healthcare Needs

Caring for a child with a disability or special health care need can be challenging. Connection to the right program or resources can provide the critical support families need.

Riverside Early Intervention

Riverside Early Intervention (EI) provides educational, therapeutic, and supportive services to children from birth to age 3. The children In EI have, or are at risk of having, delays in their development. Riverside EI is a family-centered program that works to empower families to meet their children’s individual needs through education, training, and support. Riverside EI serves Cambridge and Somerville and is part of Massachusetts Early Intervention (EI), a program for infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years old) who have developmental delays or are at risk of a developmental delay. You can learn more HERE.

The Early Years Project (EYP)

A Cambridge program, The Early Years Project supports children (infants through preschool) by working with their early childhood educators and families. Child Development Specialists work with child care centers and family child care providers to create welcoming communities for all children, and to address the needs of individual and/or groups of children about whom providers have concerns. You can learn more HERE.