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Health and Nutrition

Strong, healthy children and youth thrive—in school and life.
Fresh vegetables cupped in a child's hand

For children and youth to thrive in school and life, they need to grow up strong and healthy. All of our health and nutrition programs are designed to permeate family life. And we have tailored them to address the whole body and all aspects of behavioral wellness.

A full array of physical, dental, and behavioral health services provide many thousands with access to the high-quality care that every person deserves. Fitness and creative expression are fundamental to young people realizing their potential. Counseling and education empower young adults to make sound decisions that will have lasting consequences for their future. Kids and families have a host of ways to embed nutrition into their lives.

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46

Home Visits

a year that support families with newborn children

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86%

Of Students

ended the school 2016 year with typical and strong social-emotional competencies

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100%

early childhood students

in our community schools received vision and health screenings within 45 days of enrollment

Health and Well-Being

  • Teacher with students

    Behavioral Health Services and Counseling

    Children’s Aid provides behavioral health services in school-based and community health centers to help children cope with emotional problems so they can thrive in school and in life.   

  • Child learning to brush teeth at dental office

    Dental Services

    Good dental hygiene is a fundamental piece to a child’s health. Children’s Aid’s dental clinics in school- and community-based health centers offer vital services provided by licensed dentists.

  • Student getting height measured at doctor's office

    Health Connections

    When a family’s medical situation becomes especially complex, Children’s Aid will be there every step of the way, ensuring that children can focus on learning and growing.

  • Consultation at doctor's office

    Medical Services

    Children and youth must be in the classroom to succeed academically. We provide comprehensive medical services in school- and community-based health centers throughout NYC’s under-resourced communities.

  • Student visiting a School Based Health Center clinic

    School-Based Health Centers

    Healthy children and youth are better prepared for academic success. Our school-based centers offer a proactive approach to keeping kids healthy and producing better school attendance.

  • P.O.W.E.R. shirt displayed in indoor basketball court

    Substance Abuse

    Children’s Aid provides comprehensive substance abuse prevention services to those aged 11-21 to help them break down the barriers that threaten their achievement.

  • Dating and Violence brochure

    Victim Services

    Children’s Aid makes it possible for victims of domestic violence to get financial help for services they need to recover and rebuild strong, healthy families. Cost should not be a barrier to recovery.

Sexual Health and Education

  • Safe sex packages for students

    Pregnancy and HIV/STD Prevention

    Children’s Aid offers comprehensive sexuality education that includes information about contraception, as well as helping young people build the tools they need to use pregnancy prevention methods. 

  • Sexuality Education and Counseling

    Sexuality Education and Counseling

    Children’s Aid provides comprehensive sexuality education and one-on-one counseling services that equip young people with what they need to make safe, healthy decisions throughout their lives.

Fitness and Recreation

  • Children learning basketball on a playground

    Athletics and Team Sports

    Youth athletics and sports programs are at the core of our work to support children’s holistic health and well-being. What they learn about teamwork and persistence lasts a lifetime.

  • Kids dancing in colorful outfit

    Creative Arts and Dance

    When children tap into their innate artistic talents, they create worlds without boundaries and expand the reach of their vast potential.

Nutrition

  • Iron Go!Chefs

    Go!Chefs

    When kids learn to cook early on, they are more likely to develop better eating practices, and health, later in life.

  • Kids gardening

    Go!Gardens

    Go!Gardens transforms school environments and community centers into vibrant growing spaces that teach children about agriculture and cultivate their interests in healthy eating.
     

  • Leaves in water

    Go!Healthy

    Go!Healthy gets children of all ages excited about eating healthy foods and provides families with the resources to live healthy, active lifestyles. Go!Healthy is the umbrella name for our food and nutrition programs.

  • Kids eating a healthy meal

    Go!Healthy Meals

    The more often kids eat healthy foods, the more likely they are to develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
     

  • Mother and daughter buying groceries

    SNAP-Ed

    SNAP-Ed provides youth and their families with the knowledge, skills, and resources to make healthy food choices and choose physically active lifestyles within their means.

Every Step of the Way

How we connect children and youth with the tools to learn, grow, and lead.

A Clearer Vision for the Future

Our partnership with the Hellen Keller Foundation provides free eye screenings and glasses for youth in our schools and community centers.

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