The Healthy Kids, Healthy Future Technical Assistance Program (HKHF TAP) is launching a series of “Springboard Opportunities” for the 2026-2027 cycle, aiming to bolster health promotion within Early Care and Education (ECE) environments. This initiative is designed to equip ECE organizations with the tools and knowledge to implement best practices in various health-related areas, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, support for breastfeeding, and strategies to minimize screen time among young children. Supported by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and facilitated through the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists, HKHF TAP is a collaborative effort to foster healthier futures for children by strengthening ECE systems.
Participation in these Springboard Opportunities is open to a broad spectrum of professionals and organizations at both state and local levels. This includes program managers, state leads for ECE programs, nutrition and physical activity specialists, and other interested staff. Eligible organizations span government health departments, child health advocacy groups, early childhood agencies, various coalitions, Head Start Collaboration Offices, and non-profit entities. A key requirement for organizational involvement is the inclusion of a health department nutritionist as a core member of the project team, ensuring expert guidance and integrated health perspectives within the initiatives.
For the current year, the Springboard offerings feature a diverse range of programs. These include the “Physical Activity Learning Sessions (PALS) Train the Trainer” and “PALS Support Services,” both provided by Nemours Children’s. New additions to the curriculum are the “Nature Play and Learning in Family Child Care Course” and the “Gardening with Young Children Course,” both developed by the Natural Learning Initiative at NC State University. Furthermore, new support is available for “Advancing Coalitions Technical Assistance” through Nemours Children’s, alongside existing “Springboard Funding” options, comprising Accelerator Funds and Capacity-Building Funds, also managed by Nemours Children’s.
The application process for these opportunities involves several structured steps. Prospective applicants are first advised to review an introductory webinar presentation and accompanying documents to gain a comprehensive understanding of the available programs. Following this, state partners and stakeholders are encouraged to engage in discussions to identify the most suitable opportunities for their respective states. A crucial step is completing an online Expression of Interest form, where applicants can select up to two preferred opportunities. To ensure streamlined coordination and avoid duplicate submissions, Nemours Children’s will accept only one application per state. Should further clarification be needed, Nemours Children’s may initiate a follow-up call. Finally, successful applicants are expected to commit to integrating their chosen Springboard Opportunity into their existing strategic plans.
The initiative aims to significantly impact the health and well-being of young children by empowering ECE professionals and organizations. Through these targeted training and funding opportunities, HKHF TAP seeks to create sustainable health practices and policies across diverse ECE settings, contributing to a healthier foundation for future generations. These collaborative efforts underscore the importance of early intervention and comprehensive support in shaping positive health trajectories for children.