Receive support from trained specialists
All participants will work with a child care health consultant. Working together with you and your coach, these experts provide information and guidance to assist you in meeting the needs of every child in your program.
Child Care Health Consultants (CCHCs)
You will receive ongoing support from a specially trained health professional. Your CCHC provides advice and technical assistance in areas trained to help you improve and protect the health and well-being of the children in your care, including:
- Safety and injury prevention
- Nutrition and physical activity
- Policies that reduce the spread of illness
- Caring for children with special health care needs
- Immunizations
- Recognizing and reporting child abuse
“Most teachers, when they enter this industry, they’re not always thinking of these challenging cases. So, when challenging cases arise, it’s very beneficial to have someone who can help coach and guide a staff member through these types of situations.”
– Ryan Perez, Center Owner
Additional support may also be available from trained specialists.
Programs enrolled in Quality First can be supported by specialists in mental health and inclusion for children with special needs. These specialists may be available depending on the population you serve and your geographical region.
Mental Health Consultants
These experts specialize in early childhood social-emotional development. They offer strategies to help you:
- Managing positive approaches to guide behavior (such as tantrums, biting, nap-time issues)
- Identify and provide referrals for children who may need additional support
- Aid effective communication between staff and children and their families
Inclusion Coaches
Early care and education inclusion coaches help teachers learn how to support children with special needs. Support can be offered in the following areas:
- Screening for developmental concerns
- Tips for talking with parents about developmental concerns
- Strategies to support the success of a specific child
- Community resources (therapists, school districts) for early intervention for children with delays
5 Tips to Make the Most of Specialized Assistance
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Do some research.
Find out what types of early childhood assistance services are available in your area. Visit FirstThingsFirst.org/Find-Programs and search by your address to learn about helpful local resources.
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Talk with your coach or coordinator.
Review your goals with your Quality First coach or coordinator and talk about how specialized assistance can help you meet those goals.
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Reach out to your staff.
What types of specialized assistance would support their teaching and help them provide the best care to the kids they serve?
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Request program support.
Your support team are knowledgeable experts in their fields, and you are the expert on your program. Let them know if there are areas where you would like assistance.
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Communicate with families.
Let families know about the types of specialized assistance you are using in your program. Introduce families to the coaches and consultants who will be supporting your program as they may see them on a regular basis.
Apply Now
Participation in Quality First is free. Apply now to get the support you need to make your program the best it can be.
Apply now