Why Early Relational Health Matters
The earliest years of a child’s life lay the foundation for emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. Research shows that when caregivers and infants form strong, responsive relationships, children experience improved health, reduced toxic stress, and better lifelong outcomes.
However, systemic barriers—such as gaps in maternal healthcare, lack of culturally responsive support, and inequitable access to early childhood services—prevent many families from getting the help they need. First Steps Kent is working to change that.
Our Early Relational Health (ERH) Initiative is focused on giving parents and caregivers the tools, resources, and support needed to nurture healthy parent-child relationships from the very beginning.
How We’re Making a Difference. Building a Strong Collaborative Network
First Steps Kent leads the Nurture Connection Network Collaborative, a diverse group of physicians, clinicians, social workers, community health workers, parents, and early childhood professionals. This collaborative works together to design solutions that remove barriers to early relational health for families in Kent County.
Providing Training and Support for Parents & Professionals
Through monthly training sessions, we equip caregivers and professionals with practical skills to support early relational health. Topics include:
- Strengthening parent-child interactions
- Reducing stress in early caregiving
- Addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Culturally responsive parenting practices
Expanding Access to Equitable Healthcare
First Steps Kent works alongside healthcare providers and early childhood programs to embed early relational health practices within existing maternal and infant care systems. By integrating relational health strategies into provider visits and community outreach efforts, we ensure more families—particularly those in historically marginalized communities—have access to support at critical early moments.
Why This Work Matters Now
With increasing attention on maternal and infant health disparities, First Steps Kent is well-positioned to drive meaningful change at a systems level. Our approach ensures that:
- More parents receive the guidance and resources they need during pregnancy and early childhood.
- Healthcare and early childhood providers are trained in relational health practices, leading to better outcomes for children.
- A scalable model for early relational health is developed, with the potential to be replicated in communities across the country.
With additional resources, First Steps Kent is prepared to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and ensure that every child in Kent County—and beyond—has the foundation for lifelong health.
How You Can Get Involved
First Steps Kent is actively engaging community members, partners, and professionals in advancing early relational health.
- Parents & Caregivers: Join our training sessions and access free resources designed to support you and your child.
- Healthcare & Early Childhood Professionals: Partner with us to bring relational health strategies into your practice.
- Funders & Community Organizations: Support our work in scaling early relational health efforts and reaching more families.
To learn more or explore partnership opportunities, contact us today.