Every child deserves a fair chance. A chance to learn, grow, explore possibilities, persevere and achieve his or her potential. Yet many children in America, particularly children who live in poverty or are racial or ethnic minorities, face inequitable conditions that reduce their chances of leading healthy lives. These conditions lead to pronounced health disparities--what is referred to as the health gap. This gap appears early in life and builds over time. Science suggests that adverse early life experiences--prenatally and in a child's first years--can contribute to the health gap, leaving biological imprints on the developing child that can have strong and lasting effects. Research on the health consequences of early life adversity raises the question: What are the foundations that children need, prenatally and in the first five years, to prevent chronic disease and build sound health throughout their lives? Child development experts say those foundations are nurturing relationships, safe and secure environments, access to nutrition, and health-promoting behaviors. And they are no less essential to preventing disease than quality medical care. What's more, good health in early childhood is an essential component of school readiness. The benefits of health and learning are mutually-reinforcing: A healthy child is less likely to miss school and is better able to concentrate and process information in class, and the skills the child acquires in school often pay off in mental and physical health benefits down the road. For these reasons, "Ounce of Prevention Fund" joins the "National Institute for Early Education Research" in encouraging a definition of good health that "includes cognitive ability, a low likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, mental stability, and positive social-emotional development," all of which are fostered by enriching early learning experiences. Here are summarized the latest research on what children need to get a healthy start at life. The good news is that research now directs us to a critical strategy in narrowing the health gap and giving all children a strong chance at a healthy future: We can ensure that every child has access to high-quality early childhood education and development programs. We offer policy and practice recommendations aimed at increasing the impact of these programs on children's health and improving coordination and integration across systems that touch the lives of vulnerable young children and their families. The report also includes the appendix: "Key Early Education Research Studies." [For the summary, see ED570102.]