Reflecting on Your Setting
Early childhood educators can promote healthy behaviors while also incorporating STEAM concepts that will prepare young children for future learning. To get started in your setting, consider the following questions:
› How can I model healthy behaviors for the children I teach?
› How can I incorporate STEAM explorations into my daily plans?
› How can I use the materials I have to foster healthy eating and active play while exploring STEAM concepts?
› How can I collaborate with families and community partners to support children’ s healthy habits?
Julie C. Parker, PhD, CCLS, is a retired professor in human development and family science at Mississippi State University and a certified child life specialist. She has over 35 years of experience working with young children and families in diverse environments. julieparkerms @ gmail. com
Lori Elmore-Staton, PhD, is an extension professor at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. Dr. Staton has more than 25 years of experience in developmental research and 15 years in translating that science to practice, including curriculum development.
NAEYC Accreditation
This article supports the following NAEYC Early Learning Programs standards and topics.
Standard 3: Curriculum
FURTHER RESOURCES
About the Authors
Sydney Yance, MS, serves as an extension associate and Trust-Based Relational Intervention practitioner at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. She has a professional background in the Early Head Start family services space and is passionate about supporting early care and education providers through meaningful, relevant professional development. swy16 @ msstate. edu
Chelsea Pansé-Barone, PhD, is a consultant at the State Education Resource Center in Waterbury, Connecticut. She previously served as an assistant teaching professor at Mississippi State University and brings expertise in early intervention, child development, and inclusive education.
Planning and Implementing an Engaging Curriculum to Meet Meaningful Goals
Standard 4: Teaching
Teaching to Enhance Each Child’ s Development and Learning
Photographs: © Getty Images. Copyright © 2026 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. See permissions and reprints online at NAEYC. org / resources / permissions.
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40 Educating Young Children
Summer 2026