Health services in child day-care centers: a survey

This descriptive study examined the types of health services provided by 49 child day-care centers. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the day-care center directors. The study explored the existing health services and education and training for children, parents, and staff. The study also explored services that the centers would like to offer. Fewer than 50% of the day-care centers offered more than three primary care health services for children. The provision of health education and training for children, parents, and staff varied widely, but these services were offered more frequently than primary care health services. Directors were very interested in offering more comprehensive primary care services, options for sick-child care, and education and training in the areas of safety, disease prevention and management, child development, and availability of community resources. Directors cited infectious disease prevention and management, sick-child care options, and staff training as their most pressing health issues. Recommendations are made for improving the delivery of health services to day-care centers.