November 2024  

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Immunization reporting

It's that time of year again, as a reminder, early learning programs and child cares that are not currently utilizing the Schools and Child Care Module (WAIIS) and maintaining their roster, must report immunizations status to the Washington State Department of Health by 12/1.

Schools, preschools, and child cares must complete and file an immunization status report to the Department of Health of each year. RCW 28A.210.110 and WAC 246-105-060.

Child Care and Preschool Immunization Reporting | Washington State Department of Health

Children in school aged programs, including transitional kindergarten or pre-kindergarten at a K-12 school, do not need to be reported on by the child care. They should be included in the school's K-12 report.

Steps for gaining access to the WADOH Schools and Child Care Module are available on the Snohomish County Health Department website: Immunization Information for Child Care | Snohomish County Health Department, WA

For questions or assistance on preparing the immunization report or gaining access to the WADOH Schools and Child Care Module reach out to our team at 425.252.5415 or by email at childcarehealth@co.snohomish.wa.us

Individual Care Plans 

As child care providers, our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and families in our care. In certain cases, the implementation of an Individual Care Plan (ICP) may be necessary. In accordance with WAC 110-300-0300:, early learning providers are required to have or develop an individual care plan (ICP) for each child with special needs, including conditions such as asthma, allergies, or behavioral considerations. When a child with special needs is identified or enrolled in the program, remember to inform your child care licensor.

A signature from a parent or legal guardian is required on each individual care plan. In addition, early learning providers must obtain documentation of the child's special needs from a licensed or certified medical provider, mental health professional, educational professional, or social worker. If applicable, this plan should be informed by the child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), Individual Health Plan (IHP), 504 Plan, or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

All staff members responsible for the child's care, including float staff, must receive training on the care plan from the parent, legal guardian, or contracted healthcare provider. It is essential to verify in writing that this training has been completed and that staff members feel confident in their ability to implement the care plan prior to the child's attendance.

The Child Care Health team at Public Health Seattle and King County has created a resource for child care providers that can be used state wide!

Care plans and authorization forms - King County, Washington

The plans on this page have checklists that include what documents need to be included and who needs to sign.

Washington Laws about Styrofoam and Plastic Utensils

Washington State has a few newer laws that aim to reduce waste and limit toxic products. There is a ban on some polystyrene (styrofoam) products like food containers and single use plastic bags, and businesses must ask before providing single-use utensils. You have likely noticed these changes when going out to restaurants or when grocery shopping. Child cares can also do their part. Here are a few ways:

• Eliminate polystyrene (Styrofoam) – WAC 110-300-0285(2)(o) already prohibits the use of this when feeding infants and toddlers. In reality, it can be a choking hazard for older children as well.
• Minimize the use of single-use plastic bags – The licensing WAC 110-300-0165(2)(d) requires plastic bags to be inaccessible to children since they are a suffocation hazard. An exception may be for sending home soiled clothing. 
• Use PFAS-free food packaging – since the sale of PFAS-containing food packaging is prohibited in Washington, this should not be an issue.
• Look for and use compostable products. 
• Promote the use of reusable silverware and dishes in facilities with adequate dishwashing capability. If an early learning program must use single service items, the requirement to ask before providing these items in DCYF licensed facilities only applies if it is practical and feasible. You can read the actual regulation here. 

COVID-19 Information and Resources

Remember to report all cases of COVID that occur at your child care via our website.

Take a look at our Snohomish County Health Department webpage for COVID-19 resources for schools and child care. Choose the “Child Care (staff)” tab.

The website contains current guidance for child cares and a simple pathway for reporting COVID-19 cases directly to the Washington State Department of Health (through an application called FONT). Please use the spreadsheet on our website when reporting case(s). A link for reporting through the FONT tool is available on the website.

Guidance and assistance are available from the staff of the Child Care Health Outreach Program at the email address and phone number listed below:

Email:  childcarehealth@co.snohomish.wa.us

Phone: 425-252-5415