In 2011, IdahoSTARS launched a new pilot Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC) program in Regions 3 through 7. Below is a list of common questions to help clarify services available during this pilot phase.

• What is the goal of the Child Care Health Consultant Program?

  The Child Care Health Consultant Program’s overarching goal is to promote safe, healthy environments for children in child care and to provide education and technical assistance t child care staff, children, and parents. To meet this goal, the Child Care Health Consultant Program contracts with licensed health care professionals. Currently, Registered Nurse CCHC Program trainees are actively consulting.

• What is included in Child Care Nurse Consultations?

  Depending on program needs, the Child Care Health Consultant “CCHC” pilot program will deliver: • Approved IdahoSTARS training for entire facilities and home providers with three on-site nurse consultation visits. • Scheduled nurse consultant on-site visits and/or phone consultation to meet individual program needs.

• Why licensed health care providers like Registered Nurses?

  Licensed health care professional consultation, especially the Registered Nurse model, has a proven track record across the nation for improving the health and safety standards in all models of child care facilities from large centers to smaller in-home facilities.

• What is the timeline of the CCHC pilot and who is included?

  The timeline is January 2011 to January 2012. The pilot program includes the training of up to 5 Child Care Nurse Consultant Trainees in Regions 3 – 7. During the pilot phase, the Child Care Nurse Consultant Trainees will complete their CCHC Training and Certification. CCHC Program services include nurse consultations and training to child care programs in Regions 3-7 overseen by Daleen Nelson, the IdahoSTARS Child Care Health Consultant Program Manager.

• What CCHC Trainings are available in Regions 3-7?

  • Infection control through proper hand washing • Prevention of cross contamination with correct diapering techniques • SIDS prevention, safe sleeping arrangements and shaken baby syndrome • Food safety and sanitation • Nutrition, and • Several other health and safety related topics

• Do I get credit for the trainings?

  Yes, child care providers receive training hours in Component 8 – Health, Safety and Nutrition and other components. ***Note Quality Rating and Improvement System “QRIS” Sites: child care facilities that include families in their trainings will count as an educational event in the IdahoSTARS QRIS Strengthening Families Quality Standard.

• How much does it cost?

  Child Care Health Consultant Program services are available at no cost to your facility when a CCHC Facility Grant Application is completed and funding remains available. Services will be provided at no cost to you if one or more classrooms scored less than 3.0 on the Personal Care Routines of an Environment Rating Scale assessment OR if your facility has been referred by an inspector.

• How do I request a CCHC Consultation or Training?

  Call 2-1-1 and ask for the Child Care Health Consultant Program or call 345-1090, ext 27 to request services. (currently regions 3-7) Professional Development System (PDS) Registry and Non-PDS Participants complete a CCHC Program Facility Grant Application.

• What is a CCHC Referral?

  Inspection Referral: During your inspections for child care licensing or food program assistance, health, city, state, or food inspectors may refer you to the CCHC Program for a health care professional to help support you with your health, safety, and nutrition needs.

• What are the next steps after I’ve made my request or received a referral?

  A Child Care Nurse Consultant will call you within 2 weeks. Together you will create a plan that may include access to information, trainings, and CCHC Nurse Consultants. Partners are important! The plan you develop will positively affect children, staff, and parents. Staff and families may be trained separately or together. Because health and safety is the foundation of quality, it is expected that all staff and parents/guardians are invited to attend CCHC Program trainings.

• Why should does my facility need to begin with trainings?

  There are several advantages to beginning with the ‘training first’ approach: • Everyone hears the same accurate, useful information. • It’s an effective method for quickly meeting health, safety, and nutrition information needs. • Trainings are supervised by Registered Nurse so staff and parents get feedback and support. • For directors, it’s the most efficient way to educate staff and parents. • Involving family members enhances family participation. • “Buy-in” from family members will improve health and safety in child care, at home and in our community by: • Decreasing the spread of infection • Increasing knowledge of good nutrition • Enhancing safety practices

The Child Care Health Consultant team is looking forward to partnering with you in reaching your health and safety goals! For more information visit call 2-1-1 the Idaho CareLine and ask for the Child Care Health Consultant Program.