Healthy, supportive learning environments in early childhood promote life-long wellness.

Farm to ECE enhances the health and education of young children by developing systems and experiential learning that connect children and their families with local food. Farm to ECE usually includes activities related to food-based learning, gardening, and local food procurement. Healthy ROOTS promotes Farm to ECE activities in project counties primarily through food-based learning and establishing fruit and vegetable gardens at Head Start centers.

Go NAPSACC is an evidence-based tool that helps ECE programs assess current practices, set goals, and implement improvements related to nutrition, physical activity, screen time, and breastfeeding support. Healthy ROOTS uses Go NAPSACC to support Head Start centers by guiding staff through structured self-assessments and action planning to make sustainable policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes that promote healthy behaviors among children and families.