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Chapter 5 - Extension’s Role in Supporting Young Children’s Well-Being

from Part II - Addressing Key Issues in the Well-Being of Children, Youth, and Families

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2024

By
Constance C. Beecher  and
Teresa A. Byington
Edited by
Maria Rosario T. de Guzman  and
Holly Hatton
Maria Rosario T. de Guzman
Affiliation:
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Holly Hatton
Affiliation:
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
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Summary

Early childhood is a time of profound growth and development and early experiences during this period have important implications for life-long health and development. Evidence for the benefit of investing in early childhood is so strong that it is considered a public health issue by many researchers and policymakers. This chapter explores efforts within Cooperative Extension in fostering health and well-being among young children, suggesting a holistic approach that involves supporting children’s parents and caregivers, early childhood educators, and fostering a positive context in which children can thrive. Extension continues to play important roles in providing culturally responsive education to families, working with families to cocreate knowledge, and assisting communities in supporting the well-being of young children for lifelong success. Specific examples of promising programs are provided to highlight the impactful work conducted by Extension to support young children around the country.

Keywords

ExtensionCooperative Extensionearly childhoodearly childhood programsland-grant universitiescommunity programs
Type
Chapter
Information
Extension Education and the Social Sciences
Uplifting Children, Youth, Families, and Communities
 , pp. 97 - 118
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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