A grant from Child Care Aware® of Kansas funded The Child Care Health Consultant Network (CCHC). This project is a free service available to all existing and prospective child care providers in Kansas. This program focuses on promoting health, safety, and wellness in child care environments. In addition, they offer one-on-one coaching and planning sessions.
The Child Care Health Consultant Network helps people through the start-up process by:
- Brainstorming a list of topics a person wants to learn more about.
- Having collaborative conversations about health, safety, and wellness goals (For example, medical action plan, emergency preparedness, cleaning, and sanitization guidance).
- Determining if a person is eligible for a start-up stipend or health and safety funds for specific needs related to child care licensing.
- Learning about the latest recommendations, resources, and approaches
- Flexible scheduling with a health consultant or nurse consultant to meet virtually.
- Participating in group learning opportunities to build connections with other child care providers in their area and statewide.
Since January 2022, the Child Care Health Consultant team has assisted over 50 potential providers. As a result, 30 have received their temporary license. CCHC has helped 18 people gain their permanent child care provider license in only the year’s first quarter. In addition, this program has assisted 33 newly licensed providers in receiving a $2,500 start-up stipend, and one provider has acquired a $250 health and safety grant. This effort will continue to raise access to high-quality child care providers statewide.
