Regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous physical benefits and positive effects on the brain, including improved attention, memory, and concentration and reducing depression and anxiety. Physical activity also can help improve academic achievement, as well as academic behavior. However, too few children and youth are physically active for the recommended 60 minutes per day. 

A Snapshot of Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs in Rhode Island reports on Rhode Island school personnel experience with the various components of comprehensive school physical activity programs, and provides recommendations for increasing physical activity in Rhode Island schools. 

For more, please see the media release, event presentation, the State Innovation Model data collection presentation, Providence Business News coverage, and release event pictures. Please order free hard copies with this form.

TeethFirst! - RI's own initiative promoting early dental visits - is pleased to announce Smilestones: an online campaign to celebrate the moments in bright smiles and raise awareness about children's oral health. Smilestones will also be hosting a photo contest, which is a picture perfect opportunity for families to show off their little ones' smiles and healthy dental habits - all for the chance to win a $50 gift card! 

The idea is simple: families will upload and share dental health-related pictures of their little ones. Children of all ages are welcome! Beginning with healthy habits at home, to a child's changing smile and healthy dental care, the goal is to create a fun forum for the moments - or Smilestones - that create healthy smiles for life. The winners of the gift cards will be announced and notified monthly. The Smilestones photo contest runs from April to June.

For more information, please visit our website. (And for more information on oral health and early dental visits, visit www.TeethFirstRI.org!)

Please email us with any questions, and connect with us on social media:

Throughout the 2017 Legislative session, Rhode Island KIDS COUNT will be tracking bills and budget items that relate to children and youth. Please explore our site for information on current legislation and upcoming hearings, and to read our public testimony on behalf of Rhode Island's children, youth, and families.

Are you interested in specific areas of child well-being? Rhode Island KIDS COUNT publishes E-Newsletters on specific areas related to child well-being: 

• Children's Health and Health Insurance 
• Child Welfare/Juvenile Justice 
• Early Childhood/Early Learning 
• Student-Centered Learning
• RI Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
• Rhode Island KIDS COUNT also publishes a general interest E-Newsletter. 

Please click here to start receiving these updates today!