June 2026 Newsletter 

Infant and early childhood mental health and why it matters

From the moment a baby is born, their brain is forming over 1 million new neural connections per second, building the foundations for how they will learn, think, and regulate their emotions for the rest of their life. The importance of this early period is often overlooked, but it is a critical window of opportunity for positive connection and relationship building that will shape the way they move through the world.

Learn more in the first of our new blog series: Strong Beginnings

Help shape the Playful Learning Summit: Submit a session proposal by Friday, June 26

Healthi Kids is now accepting session proposals for the fourth Playful Learning Summit, taking place on Wednesday, August 20, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Monroe Community College’s Brighton Campus. This one-day event celebrates the power of play and movement in learning and will explore this year’s theme, “The Right to Play: How Play Liberates Learning and Supports Whole Child Health.” Educators, practitioners, and play advocates are invited to share dynamic, engaging sessions that connect with the theme and inspire our community through joyful, active learning environments that support children’s growth, achievement, and well-being.

Learn more and apply by Friday, June 26!

Partner Spotlight: Reconnect Rochester

Reconnect Rochester is a community group that works to make it easier and safer for people to get around by bus, train, bike, or on foot. Through programs like Complete Streets Makeover, Reconnect Rochester works with neighbors and partners to improve streets and intersections so they are safer, more welcoming, and better connected to the community.

“Our partnership with Reconnect Rochester reflects a shared commitment to creating neighborhoods where kids and families can move, play, and connect safely. When we improve streets and public spaces with community voice at the center, we can build places that support health, belonging, and opportunity for everyone.”
— Jesse Knoth, PlayROCs Project Coordinator

Healthi Kids is proud to partner with Reconnect Rochester on Complete Streets Makeovers. We share the belief that the places where children and families live, walk, bike, and play should help them grow and thrive. By including community members in the process and focusing on safer, more supportive neighborhood design, our partnership helps turn local ideas into real change.

Recent work at Genesee Park Boulevard and Pioneer Street is one example of that impact. Learn more in our blog post: A Brighter, Safer Future at Genesee Park Boulevard and Pioneer Street.

Culture Corner: Celebrating family diversity this Pride month

This June, take time to explore what makes every family special. Small moments—like reading a book, watching a show, or visiting a local event—can help children learn about kindness, belonging, and respect.

📖 Read The Family Book by Todd Parr
📺 Watch The Bravest Knight
🦒 Visit Pride Day at the Seneca Park Zoo

These simple activities can spark meaningful conversations and help kids understand that every family is different—and every family matters.

Learn more in this short blog.

In the headlines

Rochester First, May 16:Reconnect Rochester gives 19th Ward intersection "Complete Streets Makeover"

News 10 NBC, May 10: Paint instead of speed bumps: Rochester testing a new way to make busy intersection safer

WXXI News, May 14: Push to expand New York's food regulations ramp up in Albany

WXXI News, May 8: Vision Zero plan explores automated traffic enforcement