National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety
The National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety (NCHBHS) is awarded to Education Development Center, Inc. in collaboration with the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, and a consortium of partners, including the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education, Children’s Equity Project, the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) California Childcare Health Program, Sesame Workshop, the Pyramid Model Consortium, Child Trends, the Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Prevent Blindness, UCSF Child Trauma Research Program, C4 Innovations, Illuminate Colorado, and University of Miami, Mailman Center for Child Development.
NCHBHS designs evidence-based resources and delivers innovative training and technical assistance to build the capacity of Head Start and other early childhood programs to:
- Support children’s healthy development and school success
- Promote the safety of children, families, and staff
- Provide inclusive, culturally and linguistically responsive services
- Address disaster preparedness, response, and recovery
- Mitigate adversity through trauma-informed care
- Advance health equity by improving child and family well-being
NCHBHS is responsive to the unique needs of children who are dual language learners, children in tribal or Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs, children with special health care needs, and children who are living in foster care or experiencing homelessness.
The Emergency Preparedness Manual includes information about emergency preparedness as well as corresponding worksheets that allow you to customize an emergency plan for your program, center, or home.
When working with families experiencing homelessness, it is important to remember that children’s health and housing security are closely intertwined.This document covers resources available to programs in these areas.
Child care health consultants can use these modules to enhance consultation skills in areas including collaborative relationships, cultural competence, oral health promotion, resolving concerns, communication skills, and building trust.
Caring for Our Children Basics (CFOC Basics) represents the minimum health and safety standards required in Head Start and child care programs and family child care homes.
Encouraging tooth brushing helps promote oral health and teaches children a lifelong habit. Use this video to train staff to begin a daily toothbrushing program in Head Start and child care programs.
The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) learning module highlights the role of the IECMHC and offers lessons with realistic scenarios.
Substance misuse can cause serious problems for both a pregnant woman and her baby. Learn talking points to use during a home visit, and find resources to support the expectant family.
Children in group care settings are at increased risk for infectious diseases such as influenza (flu). This webinar will help early care and education providers take steps to improve influenza prevention and control.
The Healthy States: Health and Safety Toolkit can be used by CCDF administrators to obtain up-to-date, research/science-informed resources and practices for the development of health and safety trainings.
Early care and education programs can share these summer safety tips with families. Find tips and resources on learning weather limits. Learn more about applying sunscreen and insect repellent, staying hydrated, and playground and water safety.