This email newsletter update provides helpful information from the Bureau of Certification. 
Please do not reply to this email, as this account is not monitored. 
Meet The Deputy Secretary


As of June 12, 2019, Tracey Campanini is now serving as Deputy Secretary for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Tracey brings nearly three decades of experience in early childhood education both in the field and with state government. Tracey began working directly with OCDEL in 2007 as an Early Childhood Project Manager with the PA Key. She also served as the PA Key’s Early Childhood Director before joining OCDEL in October 2012 first as the Director of Early Learning Services and eventually acting Deputy Secretary and Chief of Staff.

Tracey’s extensive experience and education in the early childhood field is an asset to OCDEL, Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS), and Pennsylvania’s Department of Education (PDE). In her role, she will continue to work towards advancing the administration’s goal of giving all Pennsylvania kids a strong start. Keep an eye out for a short video message from Tracey in July.

We are excited to welcome Tracey as our new Deputy Secretary!
Have Questions or Concerns?

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Certification understands the importance in building positive relationships with you, our child  care providers. Please contact your Regional Office of Child Development and Early Learning or your Certification Representative with any questions or concerns. Our representatives are here to help you succeed in providing a healthy and safe environment for Pennsylvania’s children. Remember, you are caring for our future!
Bites, stings, and other outdoor things

Summer is here, and that means spending more time outdoors. Increasing outdoor activity heightens exposure to bees and bugs. It is amazing how some children are fascinated by bugs while others are terrified. Educating children about the diverse types of insects, those which are safe to observe and those  to avoid, will alleviate fears, and make the outdoors a safer place to play and learn.

 Some insects are a simple annoyance and others can result in injury and illness. Some children may have allergies to bites or stings such as bee stings. It is important to remind children that they should not swat at buzzing insects as they may sting if they feel threatened. Mosquito bites and tick bites typically do not hurt but may cause mild irritation or potential illness. It is important to conduct a thorough investigation for ticks after an excursion in wooded areas or tall grass. Children can wear light colored clothing, long sleeves, and pants for protection.

If a child in care gets stung, bit, or has an accident or illness, you must complete an incident report and provide the original copy to the parent on the day of the incident as per §3270.182(7) §3280.182(7) and §3290.182(7) of the child care regulations. If emergency medical care is required, follow regulations §3270.132, §3280.132, and §3290.132. While many people do not like bugs, but often enjoy activity outdoors, it is important to remember that once we step outside, we are stepping into their living room.
Changes are Coming!

A federal requirement under the reauthorization of the Child Care Developmental Block Grant (CCDBG) means a new clearance--the National Crime Information Center/National Sex Offender Registry (referred to as the NSOR clearance).

The following individuals must complete the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) verification certificate by July 1, 2020:
  • Any individual 18 years or older residing in the child care facility;
  • All individuals working for Regulated Child Care Providers;
  • Any individual with an ownership interest (corporate or non-corporate) in a Regulated Child Care Provider and who takes part in the organization and management of the operation.

The clearance is in addition to the currently required clearances of Child Abuse History Clearance (CY113), Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Checks for Employment (SPA-164) or Volunteers (SPA-164A), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Fingerprinting.

The NSOR will verify that a check of the National Sex Offenders Registry was conducted, and the individual can work for a regulated child care provider or cannot work for a regulated child care provider.

There is no fee for the NSOR clearance.

By July 1, 2020, all existing staff and household members must have a completed NSOR clearance.

NSOR application forms will be published online and OCDEL will announce their availability through the Certification listserv and the PA Early Education Newsletter. Additionally, you can visit www.keepsidssafe.pa.gov for more information as implementation takes place.

Be on the lookout for upcoming provider meetings which will discuss the new regulations, assist providers with understanding the new regulations, and answer questions these changes might prompt. Certification staff will be at the 11 th Annual ECE Summit in October, presenting updates in 3 sessions. 
Sun, Safety and SPF

Remember to take the proper precautions when spending time outdoors this summer. Children should have access to plenty of drinking water and protective coverage from direct sun exposure whenever possible. Use shade and protective clothing outdoors, including hats and sun-glasses, especially between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. Applying sunscreen twenty minutes before exposure and reapplying every two hours will help prevent sun damage.

Sunscreen: Your facility should have an individual bottle of sunscreen for each child, labeled with the child’s name. Parents should supply bottles of sunscreen for their own children for two reasons. First, there may be ingredients in one brand of sun-screen that could cause adverse reactions in one child. Second, parental discretion shall be used when deciding what level of SPF is appropriate for their child. Signed, parental consent to apply sunscreen should be on file at the facility.
Plant Safety

Plants, bushes, trees, flowers, and other vegetation are not always on the top of the priority list and sometimes we overlook or assume that where children are playing is safe or that the plants inside the child care facility are not harmful. However, sinc e there are over 700 poisonous plants in the United States it is especially important to be aware of the vegetation located in the area where children are playing. Plant safety falls under §3270.66(d), §3280.66(c), or §3290.64(c) of the child care regulations.
 
Common signs to look for in recognizing a poisonous plant. They include: a milky sap, naturally shiny leaves, umbrella shaped plants, and plants with white or yellow berries.  This newsletter includes a list of some poisonous plants. This is not an exclusive list so doing research is crucial. 
                 
Plants poison by ingestion, contact and/or absorption through inhalation. The possible reactions to the poison depend on the amount of toxin a plant carries, a child’s level of resistance and the amount the child ingested or absorbed. Reactions to poisonous plants include:
  • skin irritations,
  • abdominal pain/nausea/vomiting,
  • watering, or burning of the eyes,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • dilated pupils,
  • slow/rapid pulse,
  • headache,
  • sore throat,
  • drowsiness,
  • swelling,
  • itching, or
  • death.    
      
If you are unsure whether a plant is poisonous, you can call Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or visit your local county agriculture extension. You can access this information at www.extension.psu.edu/counties .
Fun in the Sun

The lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us. The warm sunny days give many opportunities to enjoy the sun.  Let us combine the time outside with some fun activities.
 
Summer Yum – Yummy Summer Recipes

Summer Reading

What to do on a day that is too hot and humid to go outside or when one of those wild summer storms hits? Gather the children around you and enjoy a delightful book. But which one or ones? Luckily, your local library or bookstore can supply you with plenty of fun reads.

Infants/Toddlers
Carl’s Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day -  Enjoy Carl and Madeleine’s summer adventures in this exciting book.
Baby Loves Summer! by Karen Katz – A lift the flap book sharing all the best things of summer.
Biscuit’s First Beach Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli – Join Biscuit on his first trip to the beach!

Preschool/Young School Age
Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall – A lovely tale of a bygone era.
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle – A very lonely firefly goes searching for other fireflies. Enjoy the surprise ending.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Shell! By Lucille Colandro – A funny twist on a traditional favorite.

Older School Age
Everything on a Waffle by Polly Horvath – Enjoy a year of adventures in the life of Primrose Squarp. For added fun try the recipes at the end of each chapter.
Strawberry Girl by Lois Lenski – Enjoy a story about a time gone by, a time before modern conveniences and cell phones.
Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary – The continuing tale of Ramona and her adventures.

Also check out the 12 Hot, Sunny & Wonderful Books About Summer from PA's Promise for Children.
Stay Up to Date on All Things Child Care!


Sign up now for the free, American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) Early Childhood email list. This email list is for health professionals, early childhood professionals, parents, and others interested in supporting the health, development and safety of our youngest children with specific emphasis for those cared for in early care and education settings Through this email list, you will hear about current health news impacting young children and their families, new health research, opportunities for professional development, recall notices, other helpful resources and more.
 
To subscribe to the Early Childhood Listserv, please visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website . FYI: This is a one-way email list and subscribers cannot reply to the Listserv address. 
Regional Offices

Western Region OCDEL
11 Stanwix Street, Room 240
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Telephone: (412) 565-5183
Toll Free: (800) 222-2149
Fax: (412) 565-2658
Central Region OCDEL
555 Walnut St., Forum Place, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 2675
Harrisburg, PA 17105
Telephone: (717) 772-7078
Toll Free: (800) 222-2117
Fax: (717) 705-8233
Northeast Region OCDEL
100 Lackawanna Avenue
Scranton State Office Bldg.
Scranton, PA 18503
Telephone: (570) 963-4371
Toll Free: (800) 222-2108
Fax: (570) 963-3006

Southeast Region OCDEL
801 Market Street, Suite 5132
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3126
Telephone: (215) 560-2541
Toll Free: (800) 346-2929
Fax: (215) 560-5139
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning supports families 
and their children, from prenatal through school age, by using data, research and 
stakeholder guidance to assure high quality services.