Centering Site Approval Process

"Site Approval" is a process designed to evaluate a CenteringPregnancy® or a CenteringParenting® program in terms of the program's strengths and challenges. This is a voluntary process wherein the program site, in conjunction with CHI, engages in a self-evaluation process. It is the intent of CHI to work with sites until they have reached full approval. Site approval means that the program has demonstrated fidelity to the Centering model of care and has implemented a program that assures quality to clients and providers consistent with the Centering model.

The Centering model of group care is growing rapidly across the country. Providers, educators and researchers from many disciplines are requesting training to support model development, student education and evaluation/research projects. The Centering model has been operational since 1994 and now is active in over 200 sites nationally and internationally. Site feedback confirms that the model works best when implemented with all the Essential Elements in place.

Model fidelity now is essential to provide validity to collected data and to assure policy makers and funders that model implementation is consistent in all Centering sites. Site approval means that research investigating both process and outcomes of CenteringPregnancy® programs is measuring the "same animal" in all cases and research conducted on Centering programs achieves validity only when it is conducted on programs that are credentialed as truly implementing the Centering model of care.

There are already in existence programs that mimic the Centering model of care but have not implemented all Essential Elements. These sites will not be able to bill themselves as "CenteringPregnancy®" sites.

Benefits of Site Approval:

   • Assurance to potential grant funders that the implemented program has fidelity to the
     Centering model.

   • Ability to participate in Centering research studies funded either nationally or through state
      resources and inclusion in the developing CHI web-based data system.

   • As the Centering model of care is implemented in an increasing number of settings and
      across the life cycle, third-party payment sources may require site approval for eligibility for
      payment.

   • In the future, grants and other funding sources may require site approval for Centering
       program applications for fiscal support.

   • Recognition of approved Centering site status and potential of being named a "Best
       Practice".

                          For information about the Site Approval process, please contact
                                            Lois Daniels, Site Approval Coordinator, at
                                                    ldaniels@centeringhealthcare.org.