Revisiting the early childhood-health dyad : implications for policy and practice of health promotion in early childhood

This article stresses the need to revisit the early childhood-health partnership in relation to childcare services. The author reviews contrasting notions of sickness and health and shows how social determinants have become significant predictors of long-term health and wellbeing for children and families. Building on this, the health promotion movement of WHO has stressed the importance of partnerships and community cohesion for sustained health outcomes. A research project conducted in New South Wales, Australia provides an example for reconstructed early childhood service delivery which incorporates these broad health goals. Implications for policy are discussed.