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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Petting Zoos and Animal Activities
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Interacting with animals can be an enriching experience for children. There are many positive benefits. Along with the benefits, however, come risks of illness and injury. As an early learning provider, if you choose to incorporate an animal into your child care, visit an animal environment such as a petting zoo, or bring an animal visitor to your program, it is your responsibility to make sure that your are taking all the steps necessary to make the situation as safe as possible.
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Here are a few safety tips:
- ensure children are closely supervised whenever they interact with an animal and be taught how to treat an animal gently and respectfully
- hands must be washed with soap and water and under close supervision after touching animals, their food, or their enclosure
- any animals in a child care setting need to have a good temperament, be in good health, and be up-to-date on any vaccinations and veterinary care
- there are certain animals that have added risks, including amphibians, reptiles, poultry, and farm animals; some animals are not appropriate for child care settings
- animal environments need to be kept clean and children need to be kept away from all animal waste
- child cares who have animals on-site or who participate in off-site animal experiences need to have a pet/animal policy that outlines proper animal care, supervision, and safety measures
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Toothbrushing in Child Care
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Do you know the 5 Basics of Oral Health for young children?
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Delta Dental of Washington outlines simple ways child care providers can contribute to a child’s oral health and development.
In August, 2019 the
new WACs for licensed child care providers will require daily toothbrushing activities
( WAC 110-300-0185).
Cavity Free Kids, is the one-stop shop for education information and activities that support young, healthy mouths. Link in and check out the most recent guidelines and creative ideas for promoting oral health for children.
The Early Learning section includes strategies to teach about oral health during times of the day dedicated to other activities such as circle time, music, movement and science, and mealtimes. Handout and newsletter items are also readily available.
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Check out the
Tooth, Tooth, Cavity game played in the same way that Duck Duck Goose is played. Children get to chase the germ around the circle until a giant toothbrush brushes it away!
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How To Approach Behavior Management
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What is a behavior management approach?
The Health Policy template created by the Health District asks providers to clearly state the resource that they use to help them manage behavior in their child care. The intent is that rules and expectations for how children are treated are well-defined and clear to staff, parents, and children.
The method that you choose to inform behavior management in your child care setting should be:
- Well-researched,
- Widely used, and
- Proven effective
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What are the benefits of having a clearly identified approach to behavior management?
Having a defined approach has many benefits. A select few are listed below:
- Providers and staff can learn a common language and clarify expectations for how behavior should be managed.
- Parents can research the behavior management method and attempt to align their own practices to the method used in the child care setting.
- Consistent ways of addressing behaviors promote positive behavior in children.
Click the button above to download a PDF with more details around behavior management approaches, relevant WACs, and some resources you might use for your own behavior management approach.
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Active Play Throughout the Day
If you missed our in-person class in March, 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.
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Preventing Diseases from Animals
in Child Care Settings
Animal related experiences in the child care setting can mean additional health and safety concerns to consider. In this class you will learn about best practice recommendations for keeping a class pet, participating in animal related field trips and for having animal guests.
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Two New In-Person Classes this Month!
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Harvest for Healthy Kids
2 Free STARS credits
Saturday, May 18 from 10 – 12: PM
Verdant Community Wellness Center, 4710 196
th
St. SW, Lynnwood WA 98036
Taught by:
Charlotte Zissel, Early Achievers Coach, Child Care Aware of NW WA
Register
https://www.ccanorthwest.org/events/harvest-for-healthy-kids/
Don't miss this Harvest for Healthy Kids
STARS training presented in partnership with the Opportunity Council Early Achievers Program. EA coach Charlotte Zissel will highlight many of the creative and useful materials from the Harvest for Healthy Kids curriculum and website.. Charlotte will demonstrate how to easily access the 13 Activity Kits featuring different fruits and vegetables. The class includes lots of hands-on practice and opportunities to explore the materials including activity plans, picture cards, songs newsletter ideas and more. After attending this class you will be ready to put Harvest for Healthy Kids to good use in your child care program.
Come join in the fun of teaching children about fruits and vegetables.
Tea, coffee and healthy snacks will be served.
Register early. Space is limited to 25 participants.
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Cavity Free Kids and Oral Health
2 FREE STARS credits
Saturday, June 1, 10:00 – 12:00 PM
Snohomish Health District Auditorium, 3020 Rucker Ave. Everett, WA 98201, (Free parking available in back )
Taught by
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Felicia Cain,
MSN RN, Public Health Nurse
Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) Program
Katy Levenhagen, Nutritionist,
Child Care Health Outreach Program
Register
Free toothbrushes and tooth brush holders will be available for participants.
Felicia and Katy partner to provide an engaging and practical STARS training on oral health for children drawing from the well known Delta Dental Cavity Free Kids curriculum. Felicia will provide background information about the basics of oral health for children. She will engage participants in a number of activities that demonstrate how to establish oral health routines and daily interactions with children.
Brushing teeth is integral to children’s oral health. Since the new child care licensing WACS will require tooth brushing activities in child care, Katy will present a protocol specifically designed for helping children brush their teeth in the child care setting.
Tea, coffee and healthy snacks will be served.
Register early. Space is limited to 50 participants.
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For questions about either of the in-person trainings or help registering contact:
Katy Levenhagen, Nutritionist, Child Care Health Outreach Program
Katy's phone - 425 - 252-5407
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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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