Enrollment is now open for the Fall 2023 online Child Care Health Advocate course (EARL 160-01) offered by Northampton Community College. This unique three-credit hour college course is taught remotely over 10 weeks: October 2 through December 9, 2023, and prepares the Child Care Practitioner to function in the role of a Child Care Health Advocate (CCHA). The course addresses 15 different health and safety modules as a resource for child care directors, teachers, assistant teachers, and child care practitioners. Participants will learn to assess, identify, and prioritize health and safety needs of children and staff and will learn to collaborate with a registered nurse or licensed physician who serves as the facility’s child care health consultant.
In partnership with the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), tuition assistance is available for child care facility staff currently employed in Pennsylvania. Space is limited; register early to be sure you have a place for the upcoming term. Please email education@northampton.edu to start the enrollment process for an OCDEL-supported slot. All Pennsylvania early childhood staff including directors, teachers, assistant teachers, and family child care home providers are eligible to enroll. OCDEL will cover all tuition-related fees, books and materials for the course (valued at over $1,000).
The course is intended to enable students to meet Standard 1.3.2.7 Qualifications and Responsibilities for Health Advocates from Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards for Early Care and Education Programs. It offers a unique opportunity for Child Care Practitioners to acquire academic credit that may be applicable toward college degrees and has received accolades from previously enrolled students. Credits from this course can also be used to renew director credentials. Questions regarding course content can be directed to ecels@paaap.org. Register today for this exciting opportunity!