Healthi Kids

?? NEW DATES! Healthi Kids and the RCSD Office of Parent Engagement are presenting a TOTALLY FREE five-week, interactive webinar series called "Raising Healthy Pre-K Kids!" These free classes for parents and caregivers start Tuesday, March 25 from 5:30-6:30 pm on Zoom. Registration is required to attend: https://lnkd.in/g7VVZhZx The topics we will talk about are: ?? 3/25: What is Whole Child Health? ?? 4/8: Healthy Eating and Nutrition ?? 4/22: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health ?? 5/6: Physical Activity for Kids ?? 5/20: Parent Forum & Reflection If you'd like more information, please contact us at info[at]healthikids[dot]com

SAVE THE DATE! The Healthi Kids Playful Learning Summit returns for a third year this summer on Wednesday, August 20! This amazing event for teachers, childcare professionals, and caregivers has drawn hundreds of attendees the last two years. We look forward to sharing more in the coming months! #HealthiKids #PlayfulLearningSummit #PlayfulLearning #PowerOfPlay #Play #ProfessionalDevelopment

Healthi Kids and the RCSD Office of Parent Engagement are presenting a TOTALLY FREE five-week, interactive webinar series called "Raising Healthy Pre-K Kids!" These free classes for parents and caregivers start Tuesday, March 11 from 5:30-6:30 pm on Zoom. Registration is required to attend: https://lnkd.in/g7VVZhZx The topics we will talk about are: ?? 3/11: What is Whole Child Health? ?? 3/25: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health ?? 4/8: Healthy Eating and Nutrition ?? 4/22: Physical Activity for Kids ?? 5/6: Parent Forum & Reflection If you'd like more information, please contact us at info[at]healthikids[dot]com

Thank you, WDKX 103.9 FM, for featuring Love From The Start! Listen to our CEO Wade Norwood and our Parent Engagement Specialist Erick Stephens talk about the importance of early relationships at https://lnkd.in/gDUChA9k Learn more at LoveFromTheStart.org #LoveFromTheStart

?? Happy Valentine's Day! ?? Today is all about love—and so are we! Little hearts and little minds grow best with love—every time! Learn more at https://ow.ly/xir250V0g1l #LoveFromTheStart #Valentine #ValentinesDay

At our December Healthi Kids Coalition meeting, we had the honor of recognizing four outstanding members for their contributions to our community! ?? Legacy Award – Alka Phatak A founding member of Healthi Kids, Alka played a key role in early policy wins, including better school nutrition and mandatory recess in RCSD. She also led efforts in breastfeeding advocacy, helping secure a $5 million CDC grant. After 16 years of dedicated service, she’s off to new adventures—like hiking to Everest Base Camp! Thank you, Alka! ?? Playful Heart Award – Jenn Beideman Jenn’s passion for play, equity, and community shines through in everything she does. She has empowered children to find their voices, nurtured young leaders, and filled every space with warmth and purpose for nearly 10 years at Healthi Kids. Her work continues to inspire and uplift Rochester as she moves into a new role at City Council! ?? Neighborhood Hero Award – Denise Vogel Denise is the heart of Beechwood, championing safe play spaces, leading mural projects, and ensuring residents’ voices shape community change. A fierce advocate, she helps secure funding, plan events, and drive meaningful policy work—all while continuing her own education to make an even bigger impact! ?? Rookie of the Year – Jamie Lee Maldonado In just one year, Jamie has become an unstoppable force for change. A parent leader, educator, and fearless advocate, she’s led workshops, spoken before City Council, and worked tirelessly for children’s health and equity—all while running her own business and raising four amazing kids.

Thank you, 13WHAM ABC, for featuring Global School Play Day yesterday! #GlobalSchoolPlayDay #GSPD2025 https://ow.ly/ZGeb50UUQPK

Our staff were on hand at different school sites across the city and shared these fun moments of play! #GlobalSchoolPlayDay #GSPD2025

THANK YOU to Rochester City Council for their official Proclamation of today, February 5, as Global School Play Day! We are delighted and honored. #GlobalSchoolPlayDay #GSPD2025

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." —Frederick Douglass Learn more about building strong children from birth at https://ow.ly/TE0f50UU1NK #LoveFromTheStart