How can local health agencies improve health knowledge and skills of child care centre operators?

As the number of child care centres increases across Canada, local health agencies are increasingly involved in health issues within these facilities. 90% of operators of the 98 child care centres in an Ontario community responded to a mail survey distributed by the local health unit to determine health needs in these facilities. Infectious disease was reported to be the major health problem of the children. 76% of operators requested information about infectious diseases, in particular through use of written materials made available to their centre. The level of education of operators was high with 79% having completed community college courses. Over 70% of operators had attended continuing education sessions or workshops on child abuse, growth and development and nutrition; fewer operators reported attending sessions on infectious diseases, child safety, parent-child relationships and dental health. As a result of the needs assessment, a health unit multidisciplinary team has met and initiated a number of activities including meeting with child care centre operators, publication of newsletter for operators, and development of educational materials.