Since 2015, Child Care Aware® of America’s Health Policy Team has partnered with teams in 12 states to explore a broader definition of health in child care through our “Healthy Child Care, Healthy Communities” technical assistance project. Along with our state partners, we conducted research, communications and advocacy projects covering diverse health topics from nutrition and active play to injury prevention and inclusion. Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) played a pivotal role on nearly every state by connecting us to data, convening partners and lifting up provider and community voices to inform our understanding of healthy child care.
We developed numerous tools, resources and reports to help our partners advance healthy child care in their states. One resource we put together explores Health and Wellness Recognition Programs, which identify and acknowledge child care programs, communities or organizations that go above and beyond minimum requirements to follow best practices for nutrition, physical activity or breastfeeding. In addition to an interactive map explaining the recognition programs in each state, we also developed the below infographic with tips to help providers follow best practices in their child care programs.