Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Designations

N.C.’s Breastfeeding-Friendly Designations Go To Eleven Child Care Centers

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health (DPH) launched its fourth North Carolina Breastfeeding-Friendly Child Care Designations on October 8, 2015, awarding the distinction to eleven additional child care facilities. Five Shape NC sites received blocks:

Five (5) Gold-Starred Building Block Designation

  • Precious Resources, Inc., Richlands, NC

Three (3) Gold-Starred Building Block Designation

Two (2) Gold-Starred Building Block Designation

  • Highlands Community Child Development Center, Highlands, NC

 

On August 3, 2015, three other Shape NC sites were awarded blocks:

Four (4) Gold-Starred Building Block Designation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the most highly effective preventive measures a mother can take to protect the health of her infant is to breastfeed. In 2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 57% of all mothers with infants were employed.  Because of this statistic, many children are regularly cared for by someone other than their mother from birth to age 4 years.  Child care programs, including those in day care homes can be an important source of support for working mothers who want to breastfeed.  The child care centers noted above and the twenty-seven other Centers that have earned designation status are to be commended for their efforts in supporting breastfeeding mothers and their infants.

The North Carolina Breastfeeding-Friendly Child Care Designation (NCBFCCD) is completely voluntary and there is no cost for applying or maintaining the designation. A designation is valid for a period of three years and is renewable. An informational webinar and the on-line application are available for child care providers and facility administrators at http://www.nutritionnc.com/breastfeeding/childcare.htm. Applications are accepted and awarded on a quarterly basis (January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15). The next deadline for applications is October 15, 2015.  For more information about the Designation, please contact Diane Beth, the NC BFCCD Coordinator at diane.beth2@dhhs.nc.gov (919-707-5817).

 

FAQs

  • How is the designation awarded?
    • Recognition is awarded incrementally for every two steps achieved to support continual improvement.
  • Who can apply?
    • Licensed childcare facilities and family day care homes in North Carolina are welcome to apply.
  • Are there fees associated with applying or maintaining the designation?
    • There are no fees associated with the designation.
  • Is a site visit required as part of the application process?
    • No site visits are required.
  • Does the designation ever expire?
    • After three years the designation expires, at which time child care facilities may reapply.
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