Child Care Health Newsletter
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Mission
To keep children safe and to lead in the promotion of healthy early childhood development through collaborative population-based interventions that support and educate the child care community.
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The Early Learning Spring Garden
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As the weather turns warm and the sun shines more often, it is perfectly natural to head outdoors and plant a garden. Children love to dig in the dirt. Why not turn this desire into a productive and enjoyable learning experience by creating a garden at your child care? A garden provides opportunities for children to explore in nature, discover where foods come from, learn about science, and watch seeds grow into edible plants.
What children learn by gardening
- How plants grow – water, air, sunshine, digging!
- Preparing the ground – add compost in the spring; mulch in the fall; weed often
- Caring for living things – be gentle, water, watch…
- Benefits of bees, birds and worms – birds and bees carry seeds; worms give the ground valuable nutrients
- How fruits, vegetables, and herbs taste when freshly picked – yummy!
- The value of patience – gardening is a lesson in delayed gratification
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Observations from a survey of children participating in a
children's urban gardening program
that through gardening, children were more likely to try new foods, showed an increased sense of community and improved their social skills.
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Where and What to Plant
April is usually warm enough to start planing seeds in the ground, but there are many other ways to grow edible plants that can be harvested as early as June.
- A 4’ by 4’ raised container can be placed anywhere in a yard for rotating plants throughout the growing season
- Greens – plant these in April or May for greens all summer long. Plant spinach, arugula, red and green leaf lettuce seeds April or May and plant green and purple kale seeds in June.
- Squash and pumpkins - plant zucchini and yellow crook neck squash early. Start winter squash seeds indoors in April. Plant seedlings directly into the ground by June.
- A half wine barrel on a sunny back porch is enough space for growing a few cherry tomato plants.
- Plant starts in May. Watch for flowers by the end of June and tiny tomatoes by August.
- A narrow planter box in the side yard is suitable for adding a trellis where green beans and snap peas can climb.
- Plant seeds now indoors and transplant when they are a few inches tall.
- Dig up a small oval of grass and plant a few herbs.
- Herb starts can be planted directly in the ground now. Some hardy herbs (rosemary, sage, and curry) can be harvested all year round.
- Make a bed out of cinder blocks and provide a space for each child to grow a single plant.
- See more gardening ideas in the publication - Home Vegetable Gardening in Washington, WSU Extention, EM057E, 2013
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Safety and Gardening with Children
Gardening can be an enjoyable and enlightening activity to do with children. It is important to follow safe gardening practices with children. Ensure good hand washing after digging in the garden, garden pots, or beds and rinse all foods before eating. Consider using large table spoons or small spatulas for digging. Other safety standards, which include using organic soil and supervising children during gardening activities, are outlined in the current WACs:
Gardens in outdoor early learning program space – 110-300-0148
Gardening in the early learning program may be the only farm to table connection a child has…one that may provide a chance to feel the earth, see a food grow from seed to soup, and eat a plant not purchased from a grocery store.
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Have You Heard about ACEs?
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Available April 8th, 2019.
Our newest online class, Understanding ACEs, is specifically tailored to child care providers. The course gives a thorough overview of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how they might show up in the child care setting. Early childhood is an especially vulnerable time in the growth and development of children. Therefore, it is crucial that providers and teachers learn the impacts of ACEs on healthy growth and development; and impacts to long-term wellbeing into adulthood. After taking this class students will be able to identify traumatic experiences that are considered ACEs, explain the health outcomes associated with ACEs, and describe at least three appropriate responses to observed signs or evidence of ACEs. This class will be available starting April 8th, 2019.
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Does it seem like a lot of people around you have been sick lately? Washington State is experiencing an unusual second surge of Type A Influenza. Keep yourself and others healthy by washing your hands, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and doing daily health checks when children arrive. This is also a good opportunity for a circle time lesson to teach kids (and remind adults!) how to wash hands and cover their coughs and sneezes. And remember--it's still not too late to get your flu shot!
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Baby Chicks and Ducklings
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Baby chicks and ducklings are often associated with springtime. Unfortunately, they are also known to carry salmonella bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that chickens and ducks should not be allowed in child care facilities, schools, and other facilities where there children under the age of 5 years. The child care
WAC 110-300-0225
(effective August 1, 2019) requires that chickens, ducks, and other similar birds be kept outside of the child care space. A pet policy would also need to be in place when animals are on the premises.
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NEW CLASSES AVAILABLE ONLINE THIS MONTH
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New -
Understanding ACEs
Learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how the effects of ACEs may show up in the children in your care. Learn about steps you can take to help. Available April 8th.
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New -
Immunizations: What Child Care Providers Should Know
Get an overview of why vaccines are important in child care settings, answers to common questions about vaccines, and learn about the diseases they immunizations prevent. Available April 10th.
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New -
Active Play Throughout the Day
If you missed our in-person class last month, you can take this physical activity class through our online system. Learn about the benefits of physical activity and how to easily incorporate it into everyday activities. Available April 15th.
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Featured Class -
Preparing for Flu
Even though spring is here, many cases of influenza are still being reported. Take this course to make sure you are doing all you can to protect yourself and the children in your care.
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Contact Information
Snohomish Health District
3020 Rucker Ave., Ste. 104
Everett, WA 98201
Program Phone: 425.252.5415
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Connect with the
Child Care Health Outreach Program
The Child Care Health Outreach Program staff are available to consult with you on these and other health and safety topics by phone, by email, or at your child care.
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Connect with Snohomish Health District
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