Physical Development and Health

Physical well being refers to use of the body, muscle control, and appropriate nutrition, exercise, hygiene, and safety practices.  Early health habits lay the foundation for lifelong and healthy living.  Equally important, physical well-being, health, and motor development are foundational to young children's learning.  Motor skills permit children to fully explore and function in their environment, and support development in all other domains.  Health problems, delays in physical development, and frequent illness interfere with children's ability to learn and are associated with a range of poor developmental and educational outcomes.