Child Care Health Consultation

The Child Care Health Consultation program, previously called Healthy Start in Child Care, promotes a healthy environment for young children in a childcare setting.

Consultants provide educational programs for children, families and child care providers on health, safety and nutrition issues.

Classes for Child Care Providers
Child care consultants from the Health Department provide you with the latest information on subjects that are important to you as a child care provider. Classes are available for no charge, and can be held at your facility or an alternative site. Classes also fulfill contact-hour requirements. All classes are one contact hour unless other wise noted.

Sample of topics:

• Abuse/neglect
• Blood borne pathogens
• Dental Health
• Food allergies
• Immunization
• Head Lice
• Lead poisoning
• Obesity in children
• Stress management

Programs for Children
Programs by the Health Department's Child Care Consultants are a great way to supplement the childcare center's curriculum. Our interactive programs are geared to children ages 3 to 6. Books, videos and activities capture the child's attention and help convey important health and safety messages.

Sample of topics

• Bicycle safety
• Dental health
• Say No to Drugs and Alcohol
• Hand washing
• Dog safety
• Playground safety

Background on the Program

Child Care Health Consultation is part of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's KIDS NOW initiative, which was implemented in July of 2000. The goal of the KIDS NOW program is to ensure that all young children in Kentucky are healthy and safe, that they have the foundation that will lead to success in school and preschool, and that they have strong family and community support. KIDS NOW is funded with 25 percent of the Tobacco Phase 1 settlement.

Consultants are typically nurses or health educators. They are required to complete trainings from the National Institute for Childcare consultants and additional training on mental health in children. 

For more information on the Health Department's Healthy Start program, please call 859.363.2090 or e-mail Susan Guthier.

For more information on disease control in child care, read the Prevention, Control and Management of Infectious Diseases in Child Care Settings manual.