In a recent discussion with Morgan Carpenter, the Program Manager of Health Services, and Balqisa Hassan, the Health Coordinator of Family Childcare Provider (HUB), we delved into the intricacies of the newly launched Child Care Health Consultation (CCHC) program. This program, officially introduced this summer, is gaining momentum as it strives to provide essential support to immigrant and refugee family childcare providers, with a particular emphasis on the East African community.

At the heart of the CCHC program lies a commitment to building health equity for East African immigrant and refugee children served by Family Child Care (FCC) providers. Through intensive supports, including one-on-one consultations, trainings, and coaching, the program aims to empower providers with the knowledge and resources necessary to address health, cognitive, and social-emotional concerns among children under their care.

The CCHC program offers a range of services designed to enhance the health and well-being of both providers and children. From in-depth consultations to tailored trainings on early childhood development and professional practices for health and safety, the program equips providers with the skills and awareness needed to promote optimal health outcomes.

One of the key goals of the CCHC program is to increase accessibility to health support by building capacity, systems, and resources. Through “light touch” services, providers have access to a menu of trainings, health consultations, and technical assistance, as well as referrals to resources as requested. This approach ensures that providers can access the support they need, when they need it, to best serve the children in their care.

With a renewed emphasis on health promotion and preventive care, the CCHC program aims to increase the number of children who are immunized, screened, and referred for health concerns. Additionally, the program seeks to enhance providers’ knowledge of early childhood development and encourage the adoption of professional practices for health and safety.

Recognizing the diverse cultural backgrounds of East African providers, the CCHC program is committed to delivering culturally and linguistically responsive services. By acknowledging and respecting providers’ cultural identities, the program aims to foster trust and collaboration, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children.

While the CCHC program has seen positive outcomes in its initial phase, the team remains dedicated to continuous evaluation and growth. By refining their approach and adapting to the evolving needs of providers and children, the program aims to maximize its impact and promote lasting health and wellness within the East African childcare community.

As an integral component of Voices of Tomorrow’s commitment to building a resilient and supportive childcare network, the CCHC program stands as a testament to the organization’s dedication to promoting child health and wellness. Through tailored support, ongoing training, and community connections, the program aims to empower East African childcare providers to provide high-quality care that promotes the health and well-being of the children they serve. As it continues to evolve and expand, the CCHC program is poised to play a vital role in fostering a nurturing environment for providers and children alike.