Recent research on early childhood demonstrates that the early years build the foundation for healthy cognitive, physical and social development. Ensuring that children have a healthy start in life paves the way for school readiness, a strong sense of self-esteem and important social skills.
FACT supports work on young children's healthy development.
FACT projects focus on issues including parental involvement in schools, school readiness and being ready to learn, getting a happy and healthy start in life and bridging the digital divide at an early age. This section overviews projects funded in 1999 that focus on young children. The Kid Curator project for example is using MSU's nationally recognized children's garden as an outdoor classroom and building on young children's curiosity about nature. The program aims to increase parental involvement, create joint learning opportunities, and ultimately increase Lansing children's chances for academic success. The team is developing computer activities for kids and parents at the Lansing Maple Hill Head Start in order to increase their comfort and confidence with new technology.