This year, we are taking a closer look at the Office of Childhood (OOC) by exploring the different programs that work together to support children, families, and early child care professionals across Missouri. In this year’s newsletter series, we will spend each month highlighting different OOC programs. OOC is made up of many unique and connected parts and each plays an important role. Together, all these programs are a part of a larger system that supports families statewide. By breaking down each piece, we aim to show how OOC fits together and build a better understanding of the value of our work.
This month we are highlighting a few of the quality program supports, which are designed to strengthen early childhood care and education. These quality program supports focus on helping child care providers, educators, and administrators build inclusive, healthy, and nurturing environments where children and families can thrive. Whether you are looking for hands-on consultation, leadership development, or health and wellness guidance, these programs are here with you every step of the way.
One area of support is Child Care Inclusion Services, who work directly with child care providers and families. Child Care Inclusion Specialists help ensure providers feel confident and prepared to support children with special needs. Specialists work with families and providers to better understand each child’s unique strengths and needs to develop personalized inclusion plans that fit naturally into daily routines. They also help support classroom activities, offer professional development opportunities, and connect programs to additional resources. The goal is simple but powerful, helping every child feel welcome and supported. Call 573-882-7022 to talk with Child Care Inclusion Services.
The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (iECMH) Initiative offers specialized support for those working with young children who experience persistent challenging behaviors. Through consultation, training, and individualized interventions, iECMH services help strengthen the skills of both professionals and families in supporting children’s social-emotional development. Providers can receive individualized support for children, training that benefits all children in their care, and access to resources, referrals, and ongoing support. IECMH services aim to reduce behaviors that feel difficult to manage and create calmer, more supportive learning environments. You can make a referral or call 573-882-7022 to talk with iECMH.
Strong leadership is another cornerstone of quality. The Missouri Supporting Early Childhood Administrators (MO-SECA) program is dedicated to building early childhood leaders. MO-SECA provides an individualized, scaffolded approach to leadership development for administrators in licensed, license-exempt, and exempt child care programs. Participants gain access to free virtual clock hour training and in-person leadership academies. Classes are tailored to emphasize the areas of Emerging Leader, Developing Leader, and Transformational Leader. Classes are offered in communities across Missouri with a special graduate academy for program alumni. MO-SECA helps administrators grow their leadership skills, connect with peers, and lead programs that support both staff and families.
The Program Support Network (PSN) offers another layer of practical, hands-on assistance. PSN supports licensed, license-exempt, and six or fewer child care providers who are contracted to receive subsidy. Providers can access free best-practice clock hour trainings, followed by on-site visits to reinforce training topics. PSN contractors also help administrators connect with other DESE quality supports, including guidance for programs interested in becoming subsidy providers. To locate support in your area, see the Program Support Network Map.
The Child Care Health Consultation (CCHC) Program supports the health, safety, and wellness of children, providers, and families. This collaborative effort between OOC and Local Public Health Agencies provides free services to child care providers, including health and safety consultations, clock hour trainings including CPR/first aid, and health promotion activities. By strengthening health and mental health practices from infancy through kindergarten entry, CCHC helps create safer, healthier environments where children are ready to learn and grow. Use the Contractor Map to find contact information for your area.
These quality program supports reflect OOC’s commitment to support childhood professionals and facilitate continuous improvement. By connecting providers and families to the right supports at the right time, Quality Programs helps ensure that Missouri’s early child care and education system is strong, responsive, and centered on the well-being of every Missouri child.