We also examined the impact of Touchpoints (TP) training on Department of Public Health regulators consulting to early care providers.
In this evaluation, regulators consisted of 3 types of enforcement professionals in the Department of Public Health who monitor family child care and center-based providers.
- Early Childhood Consultants - provide technical assistance and oversight for license renewal to early care and education programs, including Early Head Start.
- Public Health Sanitarians - review and enforce health & safety features of early childhood programs.
- Registrars - initiate and manage paperwork required for program license application and renewal process, and resource and referral.
This study found that regulators participating in Touchpoints training show:
- Improved relations and strength-based practice with early care and education providers
- Encourages positive attitudes about ECE providers
- Improved knowledge of child development as it relates to periods of risk for disruption in familial and developmental functioning Retain such knowledge 3 months post training.
Regulators commented that Touchpoints was particularly useful for:
- Problem-solving with providers
- Observation and collaboration with regard to challenging children in care
- Understanding the unique challenges and stresses experienced by ECE providers during developmental disorganization
- Supporting provider-family relationships.
