EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Strong communities begin with healthy children—daily active play and healthy habits set the foundation for lifelong wellness. The Southwest Utah Public Health Department (SWUPHD) partners with families, child care providers, educators, and community organizations to promote healthy development, quality early learning, and long-term health for children across Southwest Utah. Discover our essential provider tools, TOP Star program highlights, and family support resources below to help every child thrive!
EARLY CHILDHOOD HEALTH & EDUCATION RESOURCES
Select a section below for more details.
For Child Care Providers
Discover state programs supporting health, safety, and nutrition in early child care.
Licensing & Accreditation
LICENSING RESOURCES
Whether you’re opening a new child care program or maintaining an existing license, understanding Utah’s licensing requirements is essential. Access licensing rules, required forms, inspection information, and guidance to help meet state standards.
Nutrition & Wellness Programs
BREASTFEEDING-FRIENDLY
Create a welcoming environment for moms and build a breastfeeding-friendly program. Access guidance on developing program policies and safely handling breast milk.
CHILD & ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM (CACFP)
The CACFP helps child care providers serve nutritious meals and snacks while receiving food cost reimbursements. Learn about program requirements, meal patterns, training opportunities, and how to participate.
FARM TO SCHOOL & NUTRITION
Farm to Fork connects children with fresh, local foods through hands-on learning experiences like gardening, taste testing, and nutrition education. By bringing healthy foods into the classroom, programs help children develop healthy habits.
Professional Development & Support
CARE ABOUT CHILDCARE
Care About Childcare provides professional development, training, coaching, and educational resources for child care providers throughout Utah to support quality early learning programs.
For Families & Caregivers
Evidence-based programs to help ensure every child grows up safe, healthy, and supported.
Infant Health & Safety
SAFE SLEEP
Learn about safe sleep recommendations, including placing babies on their backs to sleep, using firm sleep surface, and keeping sleep area free of blankets, pillows, and toys.
CAR SEAT SAFETY
Using the right car seat correctly on every ride is one of the best ways to protect your child in the event of a crash. Learn about choosing the right car seat, proper installation, and our free car seat safety checks.
Essential Health Care & Support
IMMUNIZATIONS
Our Clinical Services provide immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases across all ages. Vaccines help to protect against serious illnesses by training the immune system to recognize and fight harmful germs. Protection typically develops within a few weeks after vaccination, and many vaccines provide long-lasting immunity. Some vaccines, such as those for tetanus and influenza, require periodic boosters to maintain protection.
WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN (WIC)
WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and referrals to health and community services for eligible families. WIC helps families build healthy habits from pregnancy through early childhood.
Growth & Early Learning
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
Children develop at their own pace, but developmental milestones provide guidance for tracking how your child grows. Access free screenings, expert advice, and personalized community connections to meet your child’s needs.
CHOOSING QUALITY CHILD CARE
Find Head Start, licensed child care, preK, and early educational support in your area.
Daily Wellness & Activity
HEALTHY NUTRITION
Healthy eating during early childhood helps build strong bodies, healthy brains, and lifelong habits. Find nutrition tips, healthy meal and snack ideas, and resources to help children develop a positive relationship with food.
ACTIVE PLAY IDEAS
Daily physical activity helps children build strong muscles and bones, improve coordination, and support healthy growth and learning. Find fun games, movement activities, and ideas to encourage active play.
About TOP Star
Empowering child care facilities to build healthy habits through nutrition, physical activity, and breastfeeding support.
Program Information & Process
TEACHING OBESITY PREVENTION
Free Utah-based program helping facilities improve nutrition, activities, and policies. By enhancing daily habits and environments for children to build lifelong healthy behaviors.
STEPS FOR ACCREDITATION
Facilities interested in becoming endorsed follow a four-step process:
- Step 1: Complete a self-assessment to establish current policy baselines.
- Step 2: Build an action plan and update handbook policies.
- Step 3: Complete online training.
- Step 4: Re-assess progress to earn official endorsement.
Endorsement Impact
BENEFITS FOR PROVIDERS
- Public Endorsement: Gain recognition and get featured on state health department websites.
- Quality Credits: Earn Career Ladder credits and CCQS points for professional development.
- Free Support: Access consultant guidance, lesson plans, nutrition guides, and training materials.
- Community Marketing: Show prospective families your facility prioritizes healthy child development.
BENEFITS FOR FAMILIES
- Peace of Mind: Ensure children learn in a scientifically backed, health-focused environment.
- Lifelong Habits: Build early behaviors that reduce the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity.
- Home Resources: Receive practical newsletter ideas, tips, and activities for healthy living at home.