This email newsletter update provides helpful information from the Bureau of Certification.
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Greetings,
As the calendar winds its way into the summer months,
it's important that all programs that plan to offer field trips and swimming activities are stressing the importance of supervision with their staff. Staff at such events must remember to be aware of their assigned children and be able to hear, see, direct and assess the children's activities.
Pennsylvania's future is stronger because of your dedication and commitment to the health, safety and education of young children.
Thank you,
Tanya Vasquez, Director OCDEL Bureau of Certification
What's Trending in Certification
:
Staff-Child Napping Ratios
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Inquiring minds want to know - "What's up with staff-child napping ratios?" Here is some helpful information to sharpen your understanding of staff-child napping ratios!
What are the staff-child napping ratios?
ยง 3270.55. Ratios while children are napping.
(a) While toddlers and preschoolers are napping, the following staff-child ratios apply:
Similar Age Level
Staff
Children
Young toddler
1
10
Older toddler
1
12
Preschool
1
20
OCDEL is clarifying for providers when napping ratios will apply and certification representatives will assess compliance with the regulation based on the following:
When do staff-child napping ratios apply?
When children are sleeping on their sleep equipment, ratios apply.
When children are awake and on their sleep equipment, ratios apply.
When one or more children are up and not on their sleep equipment, napping ratios no longer apply. The exception is when a child is up solely to use the bathroom and returns to his/her mat.
PA's Promise for Children has a variety of early learning materials for Spanish speaking families. The newest resource,Be Your Child's Champion, guides families through the four parts of having a difficult conversation on behalf of their child.
Reminder: Complete the New Health & Safety Training Requirements
by September 2017
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Free online training is available now for 9 of 10 required topics.
One new requirement of the federal Child Care Development Block Grant is for all child care directors and staff to complete training on 10 health and safety topics by September 30, 2017. Please see OCDEL's Announcement for more information.
Take a free, six-hour "Health & Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification" course online through Better Kid Care or in person through the Regional Key, or provide transcript of courses already taken that meet the requirements.
AND
Must take face-to-face Pediatric First Aid and CPR training.
Child care certification representatives are checking professional development records for these topics as part of inspections and new providers must complete pre-service training on the 10 topics before submitting an application.
