These tools, for new and experienced staff, address science-informed practices for early childhood health staff. Each is indicative of an attitude, knowledge, or skill. Use this for professional development.

Learn how to identify and partner with the local providers and agencies who can assist in strengthening Head Start health services. Such partnerships can help programs meet the different needs of families.

Learn about the importance of using community, program, and child health data to make improvements and develop approaches that ensure every family receives the health care they need.

In this module, explore how to create an environment that enhances staff physical and mental health. Learn how ensuring staff wellness can reduce stress or depression, unhealthy weight, and infectious diseases.

Use these tools to develop and strengthen the attitudes, knowledge, and skills health services staff need to effectively support the health, safety, and wellness of young children and their families. 

Explore how leaders can better manage health services when they understand how health impacts school readiness. Reflect on leaders’ own role in health services and find ways to promote program health practices.

Program leaders and staff who understand the general principles of health and wellness practices provide effective health services. Explore ways programs promote the health of children, families, and staff.

Explore ways to provide effective health education. Learn how to identify key information, deliver it so others can understand, and ensure it matches the culture and language of a family.

Health services staff support families by offering current, accurate, and consistent health information. Identify ways to find and use health information to share with families and inform policies and procedures.

Review the skills and expertise of child care health consultants (CCHCs) who work with early care and education programs across settings to serve children ages birth to 5 and their families.