The Southern and Central California (SCCA) Study Center, has been selected as one of the first Centers across the country to implement the National Children's Study. The goal of the Study is to improve the health and well-being of children. To do this, the National Children's Study will examine the effects of environmental influences on the health and development of 100,000 children across the United States, following them from before birth until age 21 years.

The National Children's Study is unique because it includes children and families from different areas of the country, from varied backgrounds, and different family types. The Study will represent the nation's children and will provide information to help researchers better understand the conditions that are affecting children in California and across the nation, such as birth defects, asthma, obesity, diabetes, learning and behavioral disorders, injuries, and many others.

The SCCA Study Center Research Team includes research partners from throughout Southern and Central California, bringing together the state's best experts on children's health. The Study Center will conduct the Study in four locations across Southern and Central California.