Environmental sustainability is one of the most discussed topics today and its concepts should undoubtedly occupy educational agendas. Its application in education is of great importance, since the change of attitudes regarding the environment must be provided through cultural changes. Based on these precepts, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), with the support of the National Health Foundation (FUNASA), executed the Environmental Health Support and Education Program (PAESA). This program consisted in the execution of strategic studies focused on environmental health at educational institutions in the State of Amapá and assistance to traditional peoples and communities, regarding water quality and its impact on the health of the local population. This article presents the difficulties faced and lessons learnt through this project approaching the possible scope of the synergy between early childhood education and environmental education, seeking an encounter between theoretical approaches and educational practice. This was the great bet of PAESA: to start disseminating the importance of making community members (schools etc.) a participating agent in the search for paths and strategies that modify local realities.