MCH Systems Building
Workshop
Kimberly Ross, MA
Early Brain Development and Language Acquisition Program Manager
Georgia Department of Public Health
Atlanta, Georgia
Sarah Abrahams, MPA
Deputy Associate Commissioner
Prevention and Early Intervention, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Austin, Texas
Harpur Schwartz, BA
Analyst, Maternal and Child Health
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
Arlington, Virginia
Ellen Pliska, MHS, CPH
Senior Director, Family and Child Health
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
Arlington, Virginia
ASTHO’s Early Brain Development project identified and highlighted two innovative applications of early brain science that coordinate services for young children and their families. Texas’ Early Childhood Systems Integration Group addresses issues related to early brain development through a cross-agency collaborative working group, focusing on strengthening and integrating systems and services for young children. Georgia developed a cross-sector initiative to encourage early language acquisition through its Talk With Me Baby program. The program integrates language nutrition coaching into existing practices through provider training and materials for caregivers, with the aim of helping caregivers to provide the support needed for their children’s healthy brain development.