Pediatric Mobile Services Program

High quality early intervention services can change a child's developmental trajectory and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Services to young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays have been shown to positively impact outcomes across developmental domains, including health, language and communication, cognitive development and social/emotional development.  Benefits to society include reducing economic burden through a decreased need for special education.

Early social/ emotional development and physical health provide the foundation upon which cognitive and language skills develop.

Decades of rigorous research show that children’s earliest experiences play a critical role in brain development. The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University has summarized this research:

• Neural circuits, which create the foundation for learning, behavior and health, are most flexible or “plastic” during the first three years of life. Over time, they become increasingly difficult to change.
• Persistent “toxic” stress, such as extreme poverty, abuse and neglect, or severe maternal depression can damage the developing brain, leading to lifelong problems in learning, behavior, and physical and mental health.
• The brain is strengthened by positive early experiences, especially stable relationships with caring and responsive adults, safe and supportive environments, and appropriate nutrition.
• Early social/ emotional development and physical health provide the foundation upon which cognitive and language skills develop.
• High quality early intervention services can change a child’s developmental trajectory and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.
• Intervention is likely to be more effective and less costly when it is provided earlier in life rather than later.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, tooth decay is among the most common chronic conditions of childhood. One in 5 children, aged five to 11, and 1 in 7 children, aged 12 to 19, have at least one untreated cavity.

These numbers are higher for children from minority and low-income families. African-American and Hispanic children are more likely than white children to have cavities in their primary (baby) teeth and are twice as likely as white children to have untreated cavities. The disparity in untreated cavities continues into the teen years.

A report by the Pew Charitable Trusts states that untreated tooth decay "can cause pain and infection that may lead to difficulty eating, speaking, socializing and sleeping, as well as poor overall health." Tooth decay can also contribute to low self-esteem and dental health problems.

Dental problems can also adversely affect both school attendance and performance. A report issued by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2000, estimated that more than 51 million school hours were lost annually due to dental-related illnesses. 

There is no safe level of lead in children. As lead exposure continues to be an ongoing health challenge, it is important that parents take precautionary measures to keep their children safe and healthy. While exposure can damage a child’s learning and development, it can be prevented.

Lead can disrupt the normal growth and development of a child’s brain and central nervous system. While lead paint lead paint in homes built before 1978 remains the largest contributor to elevated blood lead levels in children, there are many different lead exposure sources, including water from leaded pipes and imported toys, candy, spices, jewelry, cosmetics, herbal remedies, and pottery.

The New Jersey Department of Health provides resources for parents to stay informed so child lead exposure can be avoided.

Who Is at Risk?

• Children under the age of 6 years because they are growing so rapidly and because they tend to put their hands or other objects into their mouths.
• Children from all social and economic levels can be affected by lead poisoning, although children living at or below the poverty line who live in older housing are at greatest risk.
• Children of some racial and ethnic groups and those living in older housing are disproportionately affected by lead. For example, 3% of black children compared to 1.3% of white children have elevated blood lead levels.