Child Care Health Consultants (CCHCs) fill out the Daily Encounter Form (DEF) every day they work as a Linkages CCHC. The research team collects these DEFs to learn about the activities of CCHCs. Tracking the activities of the CCHCs will allow the researchers to understand changes that occur as a result of the CCHCs' work. The information gathered will also allow comparison of health consultation services between counties and will help researchers identify which aspects of health consultation services are most effective in improving the health and safety of children in child care settings and their families.
The Daily Encounter Form (DEF) was originally developed by the University of North Carolina, Quality Enhancement Project. The Child Care Health Linkages Evaluation Project adapted this form for use in California.