This paper discusses the importance of an effective partnership between health services and early childhood programs, and examines ways that leaders in both service systems can cooperate to help caregivers, teachers, and parents raise healthy children. After examining the need for an improved partnership, the historic and contemporary role of a strong health focus in early childhood programs is explored. The paper advocates that the health needs of caregivers, teachers, and their children be addressed by cooperation between health and early education. Seven levels of intensity are outlined from which health care and early care and education programs might choose when building bridges between the two systems. Five models of partnership are described, and resources needed to make these partnerships possible are examined. The paper concludes by recommending federal and state policy steps that would support partnership-building between health and early childhood programs. (MM)