relationship-centered care

As the mom of 2 boys, I vividly remember those early pediatric visits — full of questions and worries amid moments of wonder. Is my baby growing as expected? Sleeping enough? Should I be doing more to support his development?

Those visits are for most families the first and most consistent touchpoint with the healthcare system after a child is born. Too often, though, we seemed rushed and I didn’t get to bring up everything on my mind. The physical exam, which of course is important, was about all we’d accomplish in a 15-minute visit.

That’s what makes HealthySteps unique. Pairing medical care with practical, compassionate guidance from a child development specialist, this innovative approach turns routine pediatric checkups into opportunities for prevention, connection, and lifelong impact for parents and children.

👋 For 8 years, the Burke Foundation has worked with community leaders and experts in early child development and maternal-infant health from New Jersey and across the nation. These efforts came together for 2 days last month at our inaugural First 1,000 Days Summit, co-hosted with the New Jersey Academy of American Pediatrics. The time was right to demand more for families.

The Summit started with the interactive Brain Architecture Game designed by Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child. The team exercise showed how even a single strong relationship can help buffer the harmful impact of early adversity. It drove home the point that, without relationships, the foundation for lifelong health and well-being can falter.

Tag: relationship-centered care

HealthySteps — meeting families where they are

What we learned at the First 1,000 Days Summit ?