Carol Jenkins Barnett Center for Early Childhood Learning and Health

The Carol Jenkins Barnett Center is committed to advancing early childhood health and education by creating a community of dedicated professionals addressing learning and health challenges impacting young children, from birth to 8 years. Through a collaborative approach with educators, nurses, and healthcare providers, we focus on identifying and overcoming barriers to early development, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Our Key Areas of Focus:

• Access to Comprehensive Healthcare
  Providing resources to ensure children have access to essential medical and dental care. By addressing these fundamental needs, we support a foundation of health that enables better learning and overall development.
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
  Educating families and caregivers on preventative health practices to foster a healthier, more resilient early childhood population.
• Early Developmental Screenings
  Offering screenings that identify developmental, behavioral, vision, and hearing concerns. Early detection allows for timely intervention, helping children overcome challenges that could hinder learning.
• Nutritional Education
  Promoting the importance of good nutrition, which is critical for brain development and learning. Through classes and resources, we support families in making informed dietary choices for their young children.

Advancing Pediatric Nursing Education

Our center provides unique opportunities for students and professionals in pediatric nursing. With a specialized pediatric curriculum, the Barnett Center enriches graduate and undergraduate education, emphasizing the role of healthcare in childhood learning. Senior faculty drive these initiatives, enhancing the academic experience and promoting research opportunities that deepen understanding of pediatric health.

Community Outreach and Support

We believe in extending our resources and knowledge to the broader community through:

• Educational Seminars and Speaker Events
  Providing expert-led seminars for parents, early childhood educators, and public health nurses on various child health and education topics.
• Diagnostic Testing and Early Intervention
  Offering diagnostic testing to help identify learning and health concerns early on ensures that children receive the support they need at the right time.
• Specialized Programs in Vision, Hearing, and Nutrition
  Focused programs that address critical health areas impacting young children’s learning and development.

Through these outreach initiatives, the Carol Jenkins Barnett Center for Early Childhood Learning and Health aims to create a nurturing and supportive environment for young children in our community, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.