Region of Waterloo Public Health

Public Health works to build healthy and supportive communities by promoting and protecting health and preventing disease. The department believes that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Public Health works in partnership with the community to enhance the health of its members and provide opportunities for all to reach their highest level of health.

Fourteen free Child Health Fairs for children (0-6 yrs) and their families will support healthy child development and early identification of concerns. The project will identify principles for successful collaboration and plan for sustainability.

Child Health Fairs are a proven approach to identifying children who are not meeting their developmental milestones and connecting families to the supports they need. Over 1,600 children have been screened with 8% identified as requiring follow-up support. Child Health Fairs support parents by answering their questions about child development and facilitating referrals to other service providers for more in-depth assessment and intervention if required.

Child Health Fairs are free community based events, for families in Waterloo Region, supporting the growth and development of children in the early years (birth to 6 years old). They support healthy child development and early identification of concerns through screening (developmental, speech/language, vision and dental) and information. Child Health Fairs are accessible to families because they are offered in different locations across the Region (rural and urban) at different times (daytime, early evening and Saturdays). They are accessible to ethno cultural families because cultural interpreters and screens in different languages are provided.

The Foundation’s 2 year grant of $77,500 to the Region of Waterloo Public Health will help with costs to coordinate 14 Child Health Fairs, while the Region seeks ongoing sustainable funding.

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