No matter where you work, DCYF staff sometimes find themselves a bit cramped for space. Over time, paper, books, office supplies, and all the other stuff kept in workspaces accumulates. This can create a safety hazard for you, co-workers, and clients. Answer the questions below - if you answer ‘No’ to any questions, fix the issue to create a safer workspace.

Workspace safety checklist:

• Are aisles and doorways free of obstructions?
• Is the workspace free of tripping hazards?
• Is your personal space free from heat producing appliances like coffee pots?
• Are all phone lines, computer wires, and electrical cords bundled and out of the way?
• Are heavy materials stored on lower or middle shelves?
• Are cabinets, bookshelves, and other items over five feet in height properly anchored? 

Check out the new document, Safety Tips for Teleworking, on the Staff Safety Intranet page for some tips.

Take the necessary steps to have a safe workspace!

Washington State’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is expanding the number of slots available to children, ages 3 to 4 years old for the 2022-23 school year.

At the close of the 2022-23 ECEAP Request for Application for ECEAP Services, 17 applicants applied for 1,331 ECEAP slots across the state. DCYF expects to be able to award most of the slots requested as a result of funding that was recaptured from some returned Part Day slots and additional investment from the legislature in the 2022 Legislative Session.

What’s coming up?

• The Fair Start for Kids Act ECEAP eligibility requirements are anticipated to be launched in the Early Learning Management System (ELMS) in May 2022.
• The new ECEAP eligibility standards which meet the policy of the Fair Start for Kids Act have been written into the 2022-23 ECEAP Performance Standards. The Performance Standards will be finalized in May and come into effect on July 1, 2022.
• The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) for ECEAP Eligibility has been drafted and the stakeholder engagement process has begun. The rules pertaining to ECEAP Eligibility are projected to be finalized by September 2022.

How does the ECEAP expansion affect Tribal children?

The Fair Start for Kids Act details that DCYF “must consult, obtain the advice and consent of, the governing bodies of the state’s federally recognized tribes in developing an agreed-upon definition of the term ‘Indian’ for the purposes” … of ECEAP eligibility. DCYF is currently implementing internal preparation work and planning in anticipation of beginning the consultation process with Tribes in the Summer of 2022.

ECEAP provides child-centered, individualized preschool education and health coordination services on a foundation of strengths-based family support for the specialized population we serve. Research shows high-quality early learning programs like ECEAP save states money over the long run by reducing the need for remedial services in schools, social services, and criminal justice.

For more information on ECEAP expansion, email ECEAP inbox at dcyf.eceap@dcyf.wa.gov or visit the Expansion webpage.

Many of us are looking forward to the day we no longer need to wear masks to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. But we need to be comfortable with masks for other reasons. Each year, we could experience an inundation of wildfire smoke that can create unhealthy air quality. And there are five active volcanoes in Washington where a major eruption could lead to high levels of ash and dangerous air quality. We could also choose to wear a mask during certain months to protect ourselves from other airborne illnesses such as the annual flu.

Whatever mask you choose to wear, it is most important to wear a well-fitting mask or respirator correctly that is comfortable for you and that provides good protection. 

N95

If you are using an N95, check out this page to learn how to use your N95 respirator. You can reuse these masks several times. The CDC suggests you replace the N95 when the straps are stretched out and it no longer fits snugly against your face or when it becomes wet, dirty, or damaged.

KN95

The fabric used to create N95 and KN95 masks is the same, but KN95 masks have ear loops instead of head straps. Head straps are known to provide a more reliable seal, but many people find them difficult to wear.

3M Mask

This video provides tips for using a 3M mask that can be applied generally to a wide range of masks.

Double Masking

If double masking is your choice, it’s best to wear a disposable mask against your skin and a cloth mask over that. Do not double mask with two disposable masks and never combine an N95 or KN95 mask with any other mask. The CDC guidance to help you improve how your mask protects you focuses on a snug fit against your face and several layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out. 

The CDC recently updated their webpage to reinforce the message that masks are a critical tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. You need to determine which mask works best for you and keep a supply on hand, even after COVID-19.

Juli Forbes, a public benefits specialist for the Child Care Subsidy Program, was recognized for her customer service. 

"I received a follow up call from a client today that had nothing but wonderful things to say about Agent Juli Forbes and how well the client was treated by her yesterday. The client was very happy and appreciative of the attention and level of professionalism. Thank you, Juli, for being kind, professional, and helpful to this client. Not only did it cement a high expectation for me, but your work with her made it easy for me to follow up and complete her requests!"

You rock, Juli!

This note of recognition was submitted by David Munro, a public benefits specialist for the Child Care Subsidy Program.