Early Childhood Development

The survival of children through their early years depends on the adults who care for them. 

Children need to eat well in order to grow, be healthy and strong. They need protection from illness and injury as they explore the 
world around them. When they are sick, they need good medical care. Adults must meet many needs of a growing child. Children also need adults who give them love, affection, and appreciation. They need adults who spend time playing and communicating with them. Adults help children from birth to learn the skills that will make it possible for them, too, to become competent, happy, and caring adults.

Community health workers support the efforts of families and other caregivers as they raise their children. Their support can be critical to the child’s healthy growth and development, especially when caregivers also face poverty, isolation, chronic illness, and other difficult conditions.