Keynote Gigi Schweikert working mother of four children author of eighteen books on early childhood education, parenting, and leadership internationally recognized expert on the early years taught infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school directed the United Nations Early Childhood Program developed and managed the Johnson & Johnson Systems Family of Centers made a gourmet meal out of organic food from her own garden (jk)

Health in Child Care Conference: Stories of Best Practices from the Field and Home Gigi Schweikert

One of My Own Personal Stories

Mental Health in America Prevalence of Child and Adolescent Mental Disorders Four million children and adolescents in this country suffer from a serious mental disorder. Of children ages 9 to 17, 21 percent have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder that causes at least minimal impairment. Half of all lifetime cases of mental disorders begin by age 14. Despite effective treatments, there are long delays, sometimes decades, between the first onset of symptoms and when people seek and receive treatment. In any given year, only 20 percent of children with mental disorders are identified and receive mental health services. National Alliance on Mental Health

Consequences of Untreated Mental Disorders in Children and Adolescents Suicide Suicide is the third leading cause of death in youth ages 15 to 24. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined. School Failure Approximately 50% of students age 14 and older who are living with a mental illness drop out of high school. This is the highest dropout rate of any disability group.

Physical Activity Only one in three children are physically active every day. More than 80% of adolescents do not do enough aerobic physical activity to meet the guidelines for youth. Children now spend more than seven and a half hours a day in front of a screen. Less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day; only one in three adults receive the recommended amount of physical activity each week. Only about one in five homes have parks within a half-mile, and about the same number have a fitness or recreation center within that distance. President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition

Nutrition: It’s not about thin, it’s about healthy

Early Intervention: It’s about helping children when they need it

Stress: It’s about learning to cope

Family: It’s about who loves and cares for you

Parent’s Drop-off Personalities The Drive-Thru Parent The Invisible Parent The Sneaking Out Parent The Sneaking Around Parent The Hanging Around Parent The Good-Bye and Go Parent

What do Parents Wonder? Do you like my child? Do you think my child is smart? Do you like me? Do you think I am a good parent?

You make this World a Better Place Don’t Give Up

When to Get a New Job Smile, laugh, and have fun.

You make this World a Better Place Continue to: Expect change Enjoy where you are Look to the future while you appreciate the past Have Fun and Laugh more

Gigi Schweikert Gigi’s practical ideas and realistic perspective on working with young children and supervising adults will have you laughing and learning. Invite her to speak at your conference or workshop. You may contact Gigi at Follow Gigi on