Early childhood (birth to age 8), middle childhood (ages 6-12), and adolescence (ages 10-17) represent the 3 stages of child development. Early and middle childhood provide the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being.¹ The behavioral patterns established during these developmental periods help determine young people's current health status and their risk for developing chronic diseases during adulthood.²

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Experiences during childhood are key for a child's healthy development and lifelong learning. How a child develops during this time affects future cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical development, which in turn influences school readiness and success later in life. Some adult health conditions have pre-disease pathways that begin in early and middle childhood.³

Adolescence is a critical transitional period that includes not only the biological changes of puberty, but also developmental tasks such as personal exploration and learning to be independent.⁴

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Childhood Cancer Childhood Brain and Central Nervous System Childhood Leukemia Immunizations Injury and Violence Prevention Homicide Firearm-related injury deaths Suicide Suicide attempts Motor vehicle-related injury deaths Lead Poisoning Lead testing coverage Blood lead level at 97.5th percentile Elevated blood lead level Average blood lead level Nutrition and Fitness Food Insecurity Obesity Physical activity Screen time (TV, computer, video games, etc.) Soda consumption

Mortality Rates and Leading Causes of Death 1-4 Years Old 5-14 Years Old 15-24 Years Old Poverty Poverty among Children Food Insecurity Teen births Births to Females Ages 10-14 Births to Females Ages 15-17 Births to Females Ages 18-19 Tobacco Use Current cigarette use: High school students Current cigarette use: Middle school students Tobacco use by high school students (includes cigars, smokeless tobacco, bidis) Secondhand smoke exposure

Adolescent Birth Rates

• Adolescent Births, Ages 10-14
• Adolescent Births, Ages 15-17
• Adolescent Births, Ages 18-19

Immunization Status Reports from Schools

• Immunization and exemption rates for Pre-K/Childcare, Kindergarten, and 6th grade students

Adolescent Behavior (YRBS)

• Youth Online

This link will take you outside the NJSHAD system.

New Jersey Department of Health

• Childhood Lead
• Children's Oral Health Education Program
• Immunization
• Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services
• Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC)
• Teen Health

Other New Jersey State Agencies

• Department of Children and Families
• Department of Education
• Department of Human Services
• Parent Link

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Adolescent and School Health
• Children (Ages 4-11)
• Healthy People 2020: Adolescent Health
• Healthy People 2020: Early and Middle Childhood
• Healthy People 2030: Adolescents
• Healthy People 2030: Children
• Virtual Healthy School