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Small business innovation assistance program

New Program Helps Small Businesses Recover from the Pandemic and Incentivizes Innovative Start-Ups

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced that the County is partnering with Ventures to launch the Small Business Innovation Assistance (SBIA) program. SBIA will provide a full toolkit of technical assistance services coupled with microgrants to help Snohomish County-based small businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic as well as incentivize new, innovative ideas from start-ups and entrepreneurs. The program is funded by the County’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation.

As part of SBIA, Ventures is hosting an eight-week Business Basics Course for Snohomish County small businesses and entrepreneurs. Ventures is hosting initial information sessions for the Business Basics Course in English on June 22 and in Spanish on June 21. At the free information sessions, interested small businesses and entrepreneurs can learn more about SBIA, including how to apply. Individuals can register for upcoming information sessions in English and Spanish here.

Anyone interested can find more information on SBIA, including eligibility, how to apply, and other components of the program on this website (available in English and Spanish).

Busy Bodies Make Brain Waves

Did you know that wiggling on the floor helps prepare a 4-5 month old to crawl and form brain pathways that develop future large motor skills; that skipping rope and balancing on a log support a preschooler's self-esteem; that tossing scarves in the air and skipping in a maze contribute to reading and math skills in a school-aged child?

Physical activity during childhood has far-reaching health and developmental benefits that show up later in life and last a lifetime. By offering an assortment of movements throughout the day, children of all ages can get and stay physically fit, improve motor skills, and develop and fine-tune numerous brain-pathways important for optimal physical growth and cognitive learning.

Include physical activity often during the day to enhance your child care program. Ask a group of toddlers to slowly move like an owl or shake like a puppy dog to help ease commotion during transition times. Ask a group of preschoolers to pop like popcorn to wake up sleeping muscles after sitting during circle time. Engaging often in safe, developmentally appropriate activities that are large and small, loud and quiet, inside and outside, help children grow well physically and mentally.

COVID-19 Information

The federal Public Health Emergency will end May 11 but that doesn't change how childcares should respond to COVID-19 cases. All cases are required to be reported to the Health Department. COVID-19 has been permanently added to the Washington State Department of Health's list of Notifiable Conditions (see WAC 246-101-101). Per WAC 246-101-415, it is a childcare facility’s duty to “notify the local health jurisdiction of cases, outbreaks, and suspected outbreaks of notifiable conditions….that may be associated with the child care facility.”

A few other COVID reminders:

Free COVID-19 test kits are still available for child care facilities to distribute to families. See information below for how to make a request.

Families can continue to order COVID tests by visiting www.sayyescovidhometest.org/. This program is ending on May 11. Some zip codes remain eligible to receive free tests through that date.

NO-COST COVID-19 TEST KITS FOR CHILD CARE FACILITIES

Child care facilities that are in need of rapid antigen tests (home tests) can now contact the Snohomish County Health Department to make a request for those tests. Tests are provided at no charge to child care facilities through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) program funding.

You must call the COVID-19 Call Center (425-339-5278) or email SHD.ChildCareHealth@co.snohomish.wa.us to request your kits and discuss the pick-up process.

Tests are NOT available on a drop-in basis. Test kits will need to be picked up at our downtown Everett office when ready.

We appreciate your patience as we continue to update our courses to enhance your learning experience. Classes are being offered AT NO COST at this time.

For questions about our online classes, contact our team at SHD.ChildCareHealth@co.snohomish.wa.us or via phone at 425.252.5415.

This Month's Featured Class

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead remains a problem in Washington State and Snohomish County. This course is designed to educate child care providers and staff on how to keep children and families safe from the harmful effects of lead. Did you know there is no safe level of lead? In this course you will learn where lead was historically used, where it is currently still found and simple steps you can take to protect children and families from the effects of lead poisoning.

Register Here

Preventing Diseases from Animals in Child Care

Animal related experiences in the child care setting can mean additional health and safety concerns to consider. In this self-paced correspondence class you will learn about the best practice recommendations for keeping a class pet, for participating in animal related field trips and for having animal guests. Special focus will be on how to minimize illness, injury, and allergy risks.

Register Here

Contact Information

Snohomish County Health Department
3020 Rucker Ave., Ste. 202, Everett, WA 98201

Email: SHD.ChildCareHealth@co.snohomish.wa.us

Program Phone: 425.252.5415

Website: http://www.snohd.org/238/Child-Care-Providers

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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.