Child Care Health Consultation: An Ecological Model

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. To present an ecological model of child care health consultation that defines the role of the health consultant as a resource and advocate within child care programs, as well as a supportive link among families, child care providers, and the healthcare system.
CONCLUSIONS. Nurses have provided health consultation to child care programs for more than 30 years and represent the majority of health consultants nationally. Pediatric nurses and advanced practice nurses are well prepared to shape and lead the development of this emerging role.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. With expertise in caring for children, understanding families, and care across systems, pediatric nurses and advanced practice nurses should engage in current state and national efforts to develop child care health consultatits.