|
|
Feel Free to Use our ContentAs a friendly reminder, you can copy and distribute any information from our newsletter that you find helpful. We encourage you to share our content with the families you serve. If you have any questions or would like any additional information on any of the topics covered, please reach out to childcarehealth@snohd.org.
|
|
|
|
COVID-19 InformationRemember to continue to report all cases of COVID-19 in children and staff at your child care to Snohomish Health District.Call 425-252-5415 (child care health line) or email childcarehealth@snohd.org.Resources:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monkeypox
For more information see these resources:
|
|
|
|
FREE Soil and Toy Screening Event -
Bring your soil and toys and know for sure that kids are safe from lead
Snohomish Health District and the Washington State Department of Health are hosting a toy and soil screening event on Saturday, September 24, 2022, from 10 am to 2 pm. Bring soil samples and/or toys from your facility to have them screened for lead, a toxic metal that can cause serious harm to young children who are exposed to it.
By knowing if toys or soil contain measurable lead or other toxic metals, you can then take some simple steps to prevent exposure. Staff at the event can give you some practical, low or no-cost ways to reduce any risks that are identified.
Those who are most likely to benefit from this event are:
- child cares in buildings or homes built before 1978
- child cares located near historically busy roadways (for example, those near I-5 or Hwy 99)
- child cares on former orchard properties
- child cares who frequently buy toys at garage sales, thrift stores, or accept donated toys
Please join us for this event. It only takes a few minutes to do the screening.
Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10am - 2pm
at Snohomish Health District
3020 Rucker Ave, Everett WA 98201
Drop by at your convenience. No appointment is needed. Share this invitation with your families as well. They are welcome.
Can't make it on September 24? Fill out the Soil and Toy Screening Intake form (Lead or Toy Screening Intake Form) and mail in or drop your soil sample or toy off during business hours at the address above. All items must be received before 9/24. We will contact you within a week after the event to discuss the screening results.
We will also be attending the WAEYC Conference in October. You can bring soil and toys to that event for screening as well.
For more information about this event and instructions on how to take a soil sample, please see our Event Flyer Free Soil and Toy Screening. Feel free to share this handout with parents.
Please reach out with any additional questions you may have at 425-252-5415 or childcarehealth@snohd.org.
|
|
|
|
Let's TalkLead is a toxic metal that was once commonly used in paint, gasoline, pipes, and other areas. Unfortunately, lead sticks around for a very long time in the environment and is very harmful to young children. There is no safe level of lead.
Please join us in our public health efforts to help guide our work in reducing childhood lead poisoning.
Parents and caregivers: We would love to hear from you.
Please contact us to schedule a convenient time to speak with our team.
Appointments will take 10 minutes or less and can be completed by phone or virtually.
email: childcarehealth@snohd.org
phone: (425) 252-5415
Snohomish Health District and our community appreciate your time and effort.
Please see the invitation below:
Let's Talk Flyer
|
|
|
|
Health Officer Statement on the Importance of Childhood ImmunizationsChildhood immunizations have protected young people from preventable diseases for decades. We see few cases of potentially severe illnesses such as polio, measles, mumps, tetanus, and whooping cough because most children are vaccinated against them.
Childhood immunizations are important right now as families prepare their children to return to child care, school, sports, clubs, and so many other activities where they will be around other children. On top of this, immunizations are more important than previous school years because COVID-19 disrupted life-saving vaccination at a global level, putting millions at risk of catching diseases like measles, meningitis, whooping cough, and even polio.
Currently, polio has been found to be present in wastewater in New York and transmission of poliovirus is believed to have been ongoing there for months. This is possible because of the immunization disruption that has occurred during the pandemic. Without “catching up” on these important vaccinations, we are putting ourselves, our children, and our communities at risk for potential outbreaks of these completely preventable and potentially serious illnesses.
The recommended vaccination schedule for children in the U.S. should be followed to ensure children and the wider community have the best protection possible. All children in Washington State can get recommended vaccines at no cost up until their 19th birthday. Healthcare providers may charge an office visit fee, but pediatric patients who cannot afford the fee still can be vaccinated at no cost. Parents and caregivers with questions about childhood immunizations should talk to their child’s healthcare provider to make sure their questions are addressed and that they are getting reliable information.
- Dr. James Lewis, Snohomish Health District Health Officer
Keeping children up to date on their childhood vaccines is important, and child care providers play a crucial role in that effort. As the new school year approaches, please review the current immunization requirements and updates for child cares.
For more information on vaccine requirements and updates in Washington State go to the following link: School and Child Care Immunization | Washington State Department of Health
The Child Care Health Outreach Program can also assist child care providers and families with questions they may have regarding vaccines. We can be reached at childcarehealth@snohd.org or by phone at (425)-252-5415.
|
|
|
|
FREE Car Seat Safety Check
Learn how to use your car seat safely.
When: Thursday, September 22, 2022, 3:00-5:00 pm
Where: South County Fire
Free car and booster seats are available for those who qualify while supplies last.
For more information and registration, visit this link: Child Car Seat Education | South County Fire (southsnofire.org) or call 425-320-5800.
|
|
|
|
ABC's for Healthy KidsThis month we continue our ABC's for Healthy Kids feature. We encourage child care providers to take this information from Snohomish Health District and share it with your parents. You can include these mini-articles in your newsletters or print out activity pages from our website to do with children and send them home.
You can learn more or get fun activities for children at www.snohd.org/healthykids. |
|
|
|
P is for Prepare for TakeoffThe transition from childhood to adulthood always has its challenges. Help your children – and yourself – be ready for that change. Take the time to talk with teens and young adults. Start early to build the skills and knowledge that will help them thrive on their next adventure. Give yourself, and them, time and understanding as you work through the changes in your relationship. Helping them prepare for takeoff may seem overwhelming but watching them fly is worth it.Read the latest ABC's for Healthy Kids Blog to find out more
|
|
|
|
Q is for Questions are HealthyKids’ curiosity is marvelous but can be a lot for parents to handle. Remember that questions – even the challenging ones – are an important part of your child growing and developing. Curiosity helps pave the way for problem-solving, creativity and resilience.
Think about how you can handle difficult questions without discouraging children or shutting down the conversation. Help children learn how to get answers and encourage them to stay curious. Read the latest ABC's for Healthy Kids Blog to find out more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Snohomish Health District to Merge into County Health Department
The Snohomish Health District Board of Health and Snohomish County Council have voted to merge the Health District into county government. This means Snohomish County will be forming a new health department effective January 1, 2023, and the Snohomish Health District staff will become part of that new department instead of continuing as a separate public health district. The Child Care Health Outreach Program will continue our work with the early learning community. We look forward to continuing to work with everyone to keep Snohomish County safe and healthy.
|
|
|
|
Germ-Busters: The Importance of Handwashing in Child CareWashing hands thoroughly and often is critical to preventing the spread of illnesses in child care settings. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can easily hitch a ride on hands and surfaces and be passed from one person to another. Germs cannot be seen. Hands may look clean and carry many germs.
The best thing to use for handwashing is soap and water. Use a liquid soap for child care settings. Antibacterial soaps should not be used; lotion soap may be helpful in preventing hands from getting too dry. Dry hands with paper towels or clean cloth towels used only once.
Other helpful hints:
· Wash for at least 20 seconds.
· Post handwashing reminders at sinks.
· Water temperature should be between 85°and 120°F.
· A nail brush can help get germs out from under fingernails.
By teaching children how to wash their hands, they are learning a healthy habit that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Start young. Hold babies up to the sink and wash their hands with yours. They can begin connecting the act of washing their hands with toileting when you wash their hands in the sink after each diaper change.
Snohomish Health District recommends that child cares teach a lesson on germs and handwashing with children at least once a year.
Use a Glo-Germ Kit: The Child Care Health Outreach Program has Glo-Germ kits that can be checked out by child cares for use. Email us at childcarehealth@snohd.org to borrow one.
Other ideas for teaching children:
· Use Vaseline or cooking oil and a little bit of glitter on their hands to teach them what it takes to get germs off: soap, warm water, and scrubbing.
· Have the children sing while washing to help them learn to wash long enough. Twice through the Happy Birthday song works well.
· Blow bubbles and then talk about how making plenty of bubbles is important to getting germs off of hands.
· Read a book about germs.
For more information about preventing the spread of germs in your child care, see the Germbusters: The Importance of Handwashing in Child Care course on the LMS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This Month's Featured Classes
|
|
|
|
|
|
Germbusters: The Importance of Handwashing in Child CareGood handwashing is important in reducing the spread of germs in child care environments. Handwashing helps us to stay well. In this class, participants will develop a full understanding of how the handwashing steps work to get rid of germs, how to teach children about handwashing while managing handwashing in large groups, and the appropriate use of instant hand sanitizers. (2.0 STARS credits or clock hours; cost $20.00. Costs may be reimbursed by DCYF - see their website for more information).
Register Here
|
|
|
|
Contact InformationSnohomish Health District, 3020 Rucker Ave., Ste. 104, Everett, WA 98201
Email: childcarehealth@snohd.org
Program Phone: 425.252.5415
Website: http://www.snohd.org/238/Child-Care-Providers
Received this as a forward? Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
The Child Care Health Outreach Program staff are available to consult with you on these and other health, safety, and nutrition topics by phone, by email, or at your child care. |
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
