AAP Initiates Section to Promote Quality Child Care and School Readiness

A majority of young children attend child care programs, and pediatricians need to be informed of strategies they can use to support quality early education and child care. The AAP has been involved in Healthy Child Care America and related efforts for decades, and established a Special Interest Group on Early Education and Child Care to link the growing interests of the membership and encourage pediatricians to partner with child care professionals. The AAP identifies recommendations and resources in its policy statement, "Quality Early Education and Child Care from Birth to Kindergarten".

To enhance these efforts and provide an AAP home for interested professionals, the Special Interest Group became an AAP Provisional Section on Early Education and Child Care on July 1, 2006.

The new section provides a forum for pediatricians and others interested in promoting optimal development, health, and safety of children in child care. Members will be supported to speak at conferences, educate business leaders/policymakers, and help to change child care regulations when needed. This group offers a vehicle for members to share successes and strategies using manuals, handouts, web-based tools, and networking/educational meetings.

Members and staff will update existing resources and produce new tools to help all pediatricians:

• Provide anticipatory guidance to parents.
• Educate child care providers or consult directly with a child care program.
• Offer guidance on school readiness and helping children transition from pre-kindergarten programs to school.

Section Work Groups

Section members have the option to join a section work group that will focus on specific topics and goals.

Learn more about the section work groups here.

How to Join The SOEECC

Learn more about eligibility and how you can join the SOECC here.

Section Annual Report