refers to physical well-being, use of the body, muscle
control, and appropriate nutrition, exercise, hygiene, and safety practices. Early health habits lay
the foundation for lifelong healthy living. Equally important, physical well-being, health, and motor
development are foundational to young children’s learning. Motor skills permit children to fully explore
and function in their environment, and support development in all other domains. Health problems,
delays in physical development, and frequent illnesses interfere with children’s ability to learn and are
associated with a range of poor developmental and educational outcomes. In the domain of Physical
Development & Health, programs need to ensure that children who are dual language learners can
demonstrate their abilities, skills, and knowledge in any language, including their home language