Trends in the health of young children in California.

When it comes to school readiness, children's health matters. Healthy children are better prepared to learn, concentrate and develop the skills needed to succeed in school--and throughout life. Although good health supports learning among children of all ages, it is particularly important during early childhood when a crucial period of rapid physical and emotional growth occurs between birth and age five. Therefore, providing children early on with an environment conducive to healthy development and learning lays the foundation for a successful future. Not all children, however, have this opportunity. Research shows children living in poverty, with poor health status or low-quality childcare, are more likely to have developmental and learning delays. Many of California's three million children ages 0-5 grow up in environments where their health may limit their social, emotional and academic development. This brief examines trends in key health indicators for children ages 0-5 in California between 2001 and 2005, based on data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Conducted every other year since 2001, CHIS is a statewide survey that provides information on health conditions, health behaviors, access to health care, and use of services among children, adolescents and adults in California. Examining CHIS data from multiple survey years provides valuable information on California's progress toward better health and school readiness for young children.