A CCHA coordinates a program's operations with external sources of health expertise such as a Child Care Health Consultant and other health professionals who provide technical assistance and education. Health advocates are early childhood practitioners (directors, lead teacher, and family child care providers) who see to it that their program integrates best practices in health, safety and nutrition, even though they may not perform those practices directly themselves. The course prepares the Child Care Practitioner to function in the role of a Child Care Health Advocate (CCHA). The course will address 15 different health and safety modules as a resource for childcare directors, teachers, assistant teachers, and childcare practitioners.
The Online Child Care Health Advocate Course (EARL 160-01) at Northampton Community College (NCC) is an unique 3 credit hour college course that is taught remotely over 10 weeks. (See NCC's website for current offerings or for more details about the program, contact Christina Lincoln at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..) Directors, lead teachers and others in the early education field learn to assess, identify, and prioritize health and safety needs of children and staff.
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. Since 2007, faculty members who are health professionals and child care health consultants have taught this course as an ongoing collaboration between Northampton Community College and the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Brittany Massare MD, FAAP is a pediatric advisor for the Early Childhood Education Linkage System (ECELS) and participates in teaching the course. Questions regarding course content can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..Updated 2/22/22.