Healthi Kids

01/27/2026

Did you know you can check out a PlayROCs Anytime, Anywhere Play Kit from the library? 🎒

Project Coordinator Jesse Knoth walks you through what’s inside—tons of toys and supplies to level up play for a home play day, classroom boost, or a block party. The possibilities are endless!

✅ Available now at Phillis Wheatley and Lincoln Branch Libraries
✅ You can request it at other branches through interlibrary loan (ask your librarian)

🎥 Watch the video and tag a friend who loves play!

Questions? Drop them in the comments or ask your local branch.

Did you know that you can check out a PlayROCs Anytime, Anywhere Play Kit from several Rochester Public Libraries and get access to a wealth of toys to use t...

01/23/2026

Healthy kids start with healthy moms.

This Maternal Health Awareness Day, we’re lifting up the importance of early relational health — the strong, nurturing bonds between parents and babies that shape a child’s lifelong well-being.

When we support mothers with safe, respectful, culturally aligned care during pregnancy and beyond, we strengthen families and help children thrive from the very beginning.

Supporting moms means supporting the next generation. 💛

01/22/2026

🎙️ On El Poder Latino/Latin Power, Ida Pérez of Ibero talks with Common Ground Health’s Erick Stephens and Healthi Kids parent coalition member Jamie Maldonado about Love from the Start—our campaign on engaging children from birth. 💙 https://ow.ly/zBnJ50Y0UIO

01/20/2026

🚍 New School Bus Safety Fines Start Today in Rochester
The warning period is over! Starting today, drivers in Rochester will be fined if they pass a school bus with its stop sign out.

Since the program began in November, cameras on every school bus have recorded cars passing stopped buses all day, in every part of the city. Kids are most at risk when they’re getting on and off the bus—and these unsafe passes put them in danger.

At Healthi Kids, we believe every child deserves to travel to and from school safely. We’re grateful that Mayor Malik Evans and City of Rochester, NY are taking action to protect kids on our streets.

Let’s all do our part. Slow down. Stop for the bus. Keep kids safe. 💛

Learn more about the City's program: https://ow.ly/qciO50Y0gfA

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — a leader who showed us the power of love and community. 💛

His message reminds us to teach our kids:
● kindness
● fairness
● courage to do what’s right

Every small act of care helps build the future Dr. King dreamed of.

Let’s keep raising children who shine that light. 🌟

01/15/2026

Big news for families! Monroe County has been selected for New York State’s new universal childcare pilot program—part of a $4.5 billion statewide investment.

Here’s what families can expect:
➡️More childcare options for ages 0–3

The county will receive $20 million to help open about 1,000 new childcare spots by 2027, with a focus on infants and toddlers.

➡️Available to all families

The pilot is designed to expand access regardless of income and reduce barriers to enrolling in care.

Funding is starting to roll out now, with major expansion expected by 2027.

This is a big step toward understanding how to make childcare more affordable, accessible, and supportive for every family in Monroe County.

Read more: https://ow.ly/pijz50XXslA

As part of her $4.5 billion investment to deliver statewide universal child care, Governor Hochul announced the State will partner with Dutchess County, Monroe County and Broome County in a new State pilot program to help counties offer additional child care options in their communities.

01/15/2026

Some of the R-Centers are offering lunch, dinner, and fun activities to kids on today's snow day!

Select City R-Centers will be open with special hours today in response to the snowstorm and RCSD closures, offering young people lunch, dinner, and healthy activities.

Learn more: cityofrochester.gov/news/city-r-centers-open-special-hours-due-snowstorm-thursday-jan-15

01/13/2026

Play builds strong brains—from day one.
Simple games help kids practice focus, working memory, and self control.

Simple, age based play at home, in school, and in your neighborhood will support your child’s development:
➡️ Babies & toddlers: playful moments with grown ups (peekaboo, songs, motion games)
➡️ Preschool & early grades: short games to boost attention and memory (Simon Says, matching, “freeze” dance)
➡️ Older kids: more independence and peer play (team games, maker time, set the rules)

Learn more about the importance of play for early development and find resources from Harvard University’s Center for the Developing Child at https://ow.ly/Gnlg50XWj9q

01/12/2026

In this short video you'll see a playground being built in just one day! It was a beautiful day in October 2025 when nearly 200 volunteers came together--after months of planning!--to build a new playground at the Thomas P. Ryan Recreation Center. It was an inspiring day that led to a great place to play. Thanks to our great partners including KABOOM! Sierra and City of Rochester, NY!

01/12/2026

In this short video you'll see a playground being built in just one day! It was a beautiful day in October 2025 when hundreds of volunteers came together--after months of planning!--to build a new playground at the Thomas P. Ryan Recreation Center. It was an inspiring day that led to a great place to play.

01/09/2026

DYK that driving just 5 mph slower greatly improves your chance of avoiding an accident? It's true! Check out this great short video from our friends at CauseWave to learn more. https://ow.ly/Lczp50XU6OI

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Healthi Kids! In 2026, we’ll keep working to make sure every child can play, learn, and grow in a healthy, supportive community. Thank you for joining us on this journey—here’s to more love, play and progress in the year ahead!