Healthy Start in Child Care
The Healthy Start in Child Care program promotes a healthy environment for young children in a childcare setting.
Healthy Start Child Care 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
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
Healthy Start in Child Care 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 the they have strong family and community support. KIDS NOW is funded with 25 percent of the Tobacco Phase 1 settlement.
Healthy Start 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.