The Right from the Start Child Care Assessment examines child care practices and policies and attitudes and beliefs of child care providers in four key areas:

• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Support of breastfeeding families
• Screen time

OPHI and partners developed and piloted the Right from the Start Childcare Assessment with all licensed child care providers in Multnomah County, OR. We use the findings to drive improvements in the child care system, to provide meaningful recommendations for training and support of child care providers and to collaborate with public health and child care partners on evidence-based strategies for healthy child care.

Publications

Right from the Start Report

Right from the Start Executive Summary

Contact Pattie Carlin to replicate the Right from the Start Assessment in your community. Currently, the survey is available in English and Russian.

Coalition

Building on the findings of our Right from the Start Assessment, the Right from the Start Coalition brings together partners in child care, public health, research, and advocacy to collaboratively identify and implement effective strategies for promoting healthy weight in child care settings. The Coalition is supported through a partnership with Multnomah County Health Department (MCHD). Current strategic focus: Supporting Breastfeeding Families in Child Care.

In Multnomah County, all types of child care are healthy environments where:

• Breastfeeding families are supported and actively encouraged
• Children have access to nutritious foods
• Children have ample opportunity for healthy play
• Children have limited exposure to harmful influences (e.g. screen time)
• Caregivers are comfortable and confident in supporting early childhood health

To bring together key community members to research, communicate and advocate to improve early child care and education policies and practices that support children’s healthy weight and development.

The Coalition relies on evidence-based practices to ensure early care and education settings provide:

• Optimal Nutrition
• Support of breastfeeding families
• Opportunities for physical activity
• Reduction of children’s screen time exposure

The following organizations participate in the Right from the Start Coalition:

• Breastfeeding Coalition of Oregon
• CareOregon
• Child Care Division
• Child Care Resource & Referral of Multnomah County
• Department of Human Services
• Fruit and Flower Child Care
• International Center for Traditional Childbearing
• IRCO
• Oregon Center for Career Development in Early Care and Education
• Oregon Department of Education
• Oregon Public Health Division
• Multnomah County Health Department
• Multnomah County WIC program
• Mt. Hood Community College Early Head Start
• Parent(s)
• Portland State University
• Providence Wee Care
• Urban League of Portland

For more information about Right from the Start, contact Pattie Carlin, pattie@ophi.org , or at 503-227-5502, x221.