Young Child Wellness Council

The TN Young Child Wellness Council (TNYCWC) was established in 2013 through the merger of the governor’s Early Childhood Advisory Council and the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems State Action Team. TNYCWC provides a collaborative platform for experts in the early childhood sector to enact positive system change for children. TNYCWC's goals are to propose infrastructure reforms, policy recommendations, and improved workforce coordination to decision-making bodies. These efforts aim to promote optimal early brain development; support optimal child growth and development; foster safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments; and improve data-sharing across systems. 

TNYCWC convenes quarterly and operates through five action teams: Data, Policy, Communication, Workforce Development/ Business Engagement, and Parent Engagement. The council is comprised of representatives from various sectors such as state agencies, private care providers, advocacy groups, and families statewide. 

Additionally, TNYCWC serves as the advisory committee for Tennessee's Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. MIECHV is a grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that is received by the Tennessee Department of Health to administer evidence-based home visiting programs and support the state’s early childhood system of care.

The work undertaken by TNYCWC holds the potential to influence policy and practice, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for Tennessee’s youngest children.

Rob Burke
Director of TN Young Child Wellness Council/
Home Visiting Leadership Alliance
Rob.Burke@tn.gov
629-259-0439