From Zero to Thrive: A Model of Cross-System and Cross-Sector Relational Health to Promote Early Childhood Development Across the Child-Serving Ecosystem

Access: Institutional Access

Publication year

2020

study description

Review and development of a conceptual model.

core topic(s)

Early Relational Health

Population Characteristics

Infant/Newborn

Exposures, Outcomes, Other

Child Development (general)

objectives

Early relational health between caregivers and children is foundational for child health and well-being. Children and caregivers are also embedded within multiple systems and sectors, or a "child-serving ecosystem", that shapes child development. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has made this embeddedness abundantly clear, systems remain siloed and lack coordination. Fostering relational health amongst layers of this ecosystem may be a way to systematically support young children and families who are facing adversity.

exposure

Early relational health.

outcomes evaluated

Child health and wellbeing promotion.

methods

We integrate theory, examples, and empirical findings to develop a conceptual model informed by infant mental health and public health frameworks that illustrates how relational health across the child-serving ecosystem may promote child health and well-being at a population level.

measures

Review.

results

Our model articulates what relational health looks like across levels of this ecosystem from primary caregiver-child relationships, to secondary relationships between caregivers and child-serving systems, to tertiary relationships among systems that shape child outcomes directly and indirectly. We posit that positive relational health across levels is critical for promoting child health and well-being broadly. We provide examples of evidence-based approaches that address primary, secondary, and tertiary relational health, and suggest ways to promote relational health through cross-sector training and psychoeducation in the science of early development.

conclusions

This model conceptualizes relational health across the child-serving ecosystem and can serve as a template for promoting child health and well-being in the context of adversity.

limitations

Not discussed.