Consultant Services Agreement Between Day Care printable pdf download

Use of Consultants

Section 19a-79-4a(h) of the Connecticut General Statutes require all licensed child day care centers and

group day care homes to develop and implement a written plan that includes the services of an early

childhood educational consultant, health consultant, dental consultant, social service and registered dietitian

consultant if the program serves meals.

The Regulations for Connecticut State Agencies require each of the above consultants to provide, at a

minimum, the following services to the program:

• annual review of written policies, plans and procedures;

• annual review of education programs;

• availability by telecommunication for advice regarding problems;

• availability, in person, of the consultant to the program;

• consulting with administration and staff about specific problems;

• acting as a resource person to staff and the parents; and

• documenting the activities and observations required in a consultation log that is kept on file at the

facility for two years.

Furthermore, the regulations require additional services to be provided by the health consultant as listed

below:

• making, at a minimum, quarterly site visits to facilities that serve children three years of age and

older; or for group day care homes, facilities that operate no more than three hours per day, or

facilities that enroll only school age children, semi-annual site visits. Facilities that are closed during

the summer months may omit the summer quarterly visit. Site visits shall be made by the health

consultant during customary business hours when the children are present at the facility;

• reviewing health and immunization records of children and staff;

• reviewing the contents, storage and plan for maintenance of first aid kits;

• observing the indoor and outdoor environments for health and safety;

• observing children’s general health and development;

• observing diaper changing and toileting areas and diaper changing, toileting and hand washing

procedures;

• reviewing the policies, procedures and required documentation for the administration of medications,

including petitions for special medication authorizations needed for programs that administer

medication; and

• assisting in the review of individual care plans for children with special health care needs or children

with disabilities, as needed.

The selection of consultants for a program should be thoughtful and deliberate. First, a program should

ensure that each individual being considered for a consultant role meets the education and experience

requirements as defined in Section 19a-79-1a of the regulations. The licensure status of a person serving as a

health or dental consultant may be verified by visiting , and the Department may be

contacted to verify whether an individual has been approved as early childhood education consultant. The

regulations prohibit a program staff from serving as the early childhood educational consultant at a program

where they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role. Secondly, the

education, experience and expertise of a potential consultant should be examined carefully, so that the

person’s qualifications match the unique needs of the program. It is also important that the program and

consultant share with each other their philosophy and vision for the program. The arrangement should feel

comfortable and there should be a feeling of mutual respect.

Consultant Services Agreement Between Day Care