The Republic of Palau does not currently have a child care health consultant (CCHC) network nor does it have a system for child care licensing.

History and Development

Palau did not participate in the Healthy Child Care America (HCCA) initiative. The Ministry of Health is the lead agency for the Palau Early Childhood Comprehensive System (ECCS) initiative. Palau ECCS will be working to establish a National Framework on Early Childhood which will include child care guidelines and a licensing system that are appropriate for Palau.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

• Developing Standards: The immediate challenge is to institute standards-based, culturally appropriate guidelines and regulations that establish minimum quality standards for child care settings through a licensing system. Once the regulatory language is in place, the challenge of implementation and enforcement will follow.

Ingredients for Success

• Political Climate: Palau ECCS leaders report that there is strong interest in early care and education (ECE) systems development. The Republic of Palau is interested in developing systems that it can sustain in a climate of declining federal funding.

Moving Forward

• ECE Provider Training: Trainings for ECE providers on child development, health and safety, and mental health are planned for 2006–2007.

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Information as of August 2006

HCCC-NSC is a part of EDC’s Center for Children & Familites.
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This website was developed with funding from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under contract number HHSH240200535013C.