Frequently Asked Questions for Early Childhood Education Programs

• What kinds of early childhood programs are eligible to apply for Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition?

Childcare centers, licensed childcare homes, and registered childcare homes licensed to operate by the Child Care Regulation program of Texas Health and Human Services are all eligible to participate in the Texas Healthy Building Blocks program. Before and after school programs, as well as school-age programs are not the key audience for Go NAPSACC, and therefore are not eligible for Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition at this time.

• What does it mean to be recognized by Texas Healthy Building Blocks?

Texas Healthy Building Blocks (THBB) recognizes early childhood education (ECE) programs for their work and adoption of evidence-based obesity prevention practices. Recognition is a reward system for ECEs who go above and beyond minimum regulations to promote children’s health. 

ECEs are only eligible for recognition if they work with an Approved THBB TA Consultant.  As of July 2023, ECEs do not receive access to Go NAPSACC unless an Approved THBB TA Consultant works with them directly.  There are 7 focus areas of Texas Healthy Building Blocks that align with the modules in the Go NAPSACC online tool.  They include child nutrition, screen time, physical activity, outdoor play and learning, infant and breast feeding, farm to ECE and oral health. An ECE will assess their operation, set goals and take action accordingly by utilizing the available resources and training, then apply for recognition in each module independently.

As of January 2024 there are no longer three cumulative tiers of recognition.  An ECE needs to achieve a minimum percentage of best practices to be recognized in each module. 

• What are the benefits to becoming recognized by Texas Healthy Building Blocks?

There are many benefits to participating beyond the immediate and long-term health benefits to the children in your care.  Here are some specific benefits for your program:

• • One-on-one technical assistance and support
  • Training and support using the Go NAPSACC online tool to conduct self-assessments and establish a plan of action
  • A series of online courses for early childhood teachers and directors
  • A dedicated web portal where you can apply to become recognized
  • Promotional tools to communicate progress and success to currently enrolled families, prospective families, and the community at large
  • Public Recognition through online promotion, community promotion and specialized incentives

• What are the requirements to be recognized in each module?

The Go NAPSACC modules are recognized independently (as of January 2024). ECEs take an online pre and post self-assessment for the module(s) they are targeting. Self-Assessments are analyzed by Go NAPSACC based on the responses related to a best practice score. A percentage of best practices need to be met within each module to be eligible for recognition.  An ECE can meet the best practice threshold percentage on the initial self-assessment and be eligible to apply for THBB recognition in that particular module; however, we encourage ECEs to complete the Go NAPSACC 5-step Improvement process and utilize the action planning and training resources to improve existing practices. 

• Is there a deadline to apply?

There is no set deadline for the recognition application; applications are accepted as an ECE meets the requirements for the module they are applying for.

• How long does the Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition last?

Once an ECE is awarded recognition in a specific module, the recognition period begins on the date awarded.  Every 3 years from the date of the award, an ECE must reapply for the same module to continue to maintain the current level of recognition.  Once an ECE has met the best practices threshold criteria for additional modules, the ECE is eligible to apply for recognition for additional modules and does not have to wait. 

• Is there a cost to participate in Texas Healthy Building Blocks as an early childhood education program?

An ECE will not be charged for participating in the Texas Healthy Building Blocks Recognition Program.  Once an ECE is invited, by an Approved Technical Assistance (TA) Consultant, to create a Go NAPSACC Provider Account, the ECE has full access to the GO NAPSACC Online Tools and Resources to assist in making changes to practices, policies and, the environment. Costs associated with recommended action steps are at the discretion of the ECE and are not required for recognition. 

• What support is available for my early childhood program while participating in Texas Healthy Building Blocks?

You will receive technical assistance from a trained TA Consultant tailored to your goals and needs. This may include continuous engagement with your TA Consultant Training that accommodates both schedules, assistance with setting up and learning the online Go NAPSACC tool, training opportunities through your TA Consultant, online through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and from the Go NAPSACC website.  All of these training options can be counted toward your annual training requirements.

• Can I participate in the Texas Healthy Building Blocks program without having a TA Consultant?

The success of the Texas Healthy Building Blocks model relies on the relationship between the TA Consultant and the early childhood education program to ensure you have a source of high-quality, science-based information and resources as you work to adopt new practices. Early childhood programs are required to partner with an approved TA Consultant to participate and achieve recognition. You can find a Community Partner in your area and connect with an active TA Consultants here on our website. If you need additional information or need assistance, please fill out the contact form.

• Can I change TA Consultants?

It depends. If you are participating in Texas Healthy Building Blocks under the sponsorship of a Community Partner, such as your local health department, you are probably receiving TA Consultant services at no cost to your early childhood facility. Please use the Contact Form if you have specific questions. 

• How do I apply for Texas Healthy Building Blocks recognition?

With the support of your Technical Assistance Consultant, you will complete the application for the module for which they are seeking recognition in.  Submission of supporting documentation is requested to be uploaded in the application, so please gather those materials ahead of time. 

• What supporting documentation is needed to complete the application for recognition? 

Supporting documentation will be determined by the module in which you apply for recognition in.  There are 2 forms of documentation required and 1 optional form of documentation requested for each module.  To find out the types of documentation requested along with a brief explanation, please download the checklist from the application page. Please make sure the supporting documentation is saved in a preferred file type, such as jpeg, pdf, or similar. 

• How long does it take to learn if recognition is achieved?

The Early Childhood Education program, along with the designated connected Technical Assistance Consultant, will be notified by email prior to 30 days from the application submission date. 

• What should I do if I still have questions about Texas Healthy Building Blocks or am ready to get started?

You can either find a Community Partner in your area by visiting the link here or use the Contact feature on the website and a state leadership team member will contact you and assist you with the next steps.