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Early Care and Education Nutrition and Physical Activity

Early childhood is a critical window for developing lifelong habits. Early Childcare and Education (ECE) settings play a powerful role in shaping daily routines and creating positive experiences with food and movement.

Community champions in ECE environments recognize that it is never too early to develop healthy patterns.

Between birth and age five, children develop eating patterns, movement habits, and food preferences that can carry into adulthood. High‑quality nutrition and daily physical activity at an early age supports:

Physical, social-emotional, and behavioral development in young children
An increased chance of children staying healthy throughout adulthood
Healthy routines that families often carry home, and into schools and communities

You do not need a new program or a big initiative to get started. The Early Care and Education Nutrition and Physical Activity Support Guide, which follows MSU Extension's six-step model to Community Change, can help. With a clear plan and practical examples, you can take meaningful steps to strengthen nutrition and physical activity opportunities for young children.

Here's how.