Early childhood services as health promoting settings : a new focus on family partnerships and community building

This article builds upon the findings of a four-year research project which investigated the health promoting capacity of the early childhood sector within one OECD nation. It is shown that early childhood services can be effective health promoting settings, especially in terms of the facilitation of family partnerships and improved community cohesion. While the study took place in a western context, there are global implications. The findings from this study are offered as a way forward for both minority and majority world advocates who want to advance the health promoting attributes of their respective situations.