If there is one thing we have learned so far from the pandemic and the events of the last two years, it is that we cannot thrive without community and partnerships. As a profession that has now been deemed “in crisis” those of us leading early childhood programs need partners in our community more than ever. One type of partnership that can help our communities thrive and be immensely rewarding exists between early childhood programs and local health practitioners.

Partnerships between early childhood programs and local health practitioners can provide additional support and resources that benefit both. These partnerships can help to advance early childhood science, which ultimately benefits all stakeholders within the community—educators, parents, children, and practitioners.