A Maryland State Department of Education Resource
Strong family engagement in early childhood systems and programs is central—not supplemental—to promoting children’s healthy intellectual, physical, and social-emotional development; preparing children for school; and supporting academic achievement in elementary school and beyond.
All early care and education providers can support families by promoting a nutritious diet and healthy eating habits in babies and children, which will lead to children’s healthy growth and development.
All early care and education providers can support families by helping them to find consistent medical care and encouraging them to have their children monitored regularly.
Evidence from early childhood research and practice shows a strong link between parents’ health and well-being and their children’s development.