|
|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
We currently offer Spanish and Somali translations of our newsletter through Google Translate. This may help you find information in the language you read, but the tool is not perfect. Automated translation may be inaccurate or errors may display. Google Translate is an external website. King County does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content.
|
|
|
This month’s email from the Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) Child Care Health Program (CCHP) includes the following topics:
Health & Safety Information for Child Care Providers
Information to Share with Staff & Families
Continuing Education, Training & Financial Opportunities
|
|
Reminder: Child Cares and Early Learning Programs Must Report Immunizations by Dec 1
Per WAC 246-105-060, early learning programs are required to file an immunization status report to DOH each year. For the 2026-2027 school year, reporting opens November 1 and is due by December 1.
Active users of the Washington Immunization Information System (WA IIS) School and Child Care Module DO NOT have to file a report if their roster is up-to-date and missing immunization dates and exemptions have been entered. DOH will generate the report using the School and Child Care Module data.
For more information about reporting, visit Child Care and Preschool Immunization Reporting. If you have questions, email OICPSchools@doh.wa.gov.
Supporting Children's Nutrition This Fall
As we enter the fall and winter respiratory virus season, early learning providers can support children’s health by offering a variety of nutritious foods throughout the day. There is no single food that can “boost” the immune system, but balanced meals and snacks provide the nutrients children need for healthy growth, development, and immune function.
Here are some ideas your program can try:
-
Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the week. Fresh, frozen, and canned options can all be nutritious choices.
-
Include colorful produce such as oranges, apples, pears, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash.
-
Offer a variety of protein foods, including beans, lentils, eggs, poultry, fish, and tofu.
-
Include whole grains such as oatmeal, whole-grain bread, brown rice, and vegetable pasta.
-
Offer foods with healthy fats, such as avocado, nut and seed butters, and fish, when appropriate for your program.
-
Limit foods and drinks high in added sugars and offer water throughout the day.
Explore Seasonal Produce
Eating seasonally can be a fun way to introduce children to new foods and teach them where food comes from. In the Pacific Northwest, fall and winter bring many delicious options, including apples, pears, pumpkins, cabbage, cauliflower, and leafy greens. Try adding seasonal produce to your menus or invite children to explore it during a class activity. Talk about the food’s color, shape, smell, texture, and taste. Children can also help with simple, age-appropriate food preparation, such as washing produce or tearing leafy greens.
For more ideas, check out the WA Grown Vegetable Seasonality Chart and the WA Grown Fruits, Legume and Herbs Chart.
Recipe Ideas for Your Menu
|
|
Information to Share with Staff & Families |
|
Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Coverage
Open enrollment for health insurance is happening now. If you need coverage to start in February, you must enroll by January 15, 2027.
Children, families, and staff in child care and early learning settings may qualify for low-cost health care plans that cover essential benefits, such as primary care, prescriptions, and emergency care. Visit www.wahealthplanfinder.org to find and compare health insurance plans.
PHSKC’s Community Health Access Program (CHAP) offers free, confidential phone help for people enrolling in health coverage and care, including finding solutions for people impacted by changes to coverage. CHAP Navigators can help with health insurance, food assistance, transit discounts, dental care, cancer screening, and other supports.
To make an appointment with a Navigator, fill out the form at the bottom of the Access and Outreach page. If you are outside of King County, you can request support from a Navigator through Navigator Search | Washington Healthplanfinder.
For more information, contact CHAP via:
Mobile Vaccine Clinics (Nov 19 & Dec 8)
Mobile vaccine clinics provide vaccines for insured and uninsured children ages 18 and younger. Some clinics also have vaccines for uninsured family members ages 19+. Check the registration page for a list of available vaccines. All vaccines are free with no proof of residency needed. Walk-in appointments are available (registration is encouraged but not required) and language interpretation is free and available at all clinics.
|
|
Continuing Education, Training & Financial Opportunities |
|
Enterprise Emergency Relief Grant
Enterprise is accepting applications for emergency relief capital grants from eligible early learning providers in Washington. These grants are designed to help licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care facilities address urgent damage caused by natural disasters or immediate health and safety threats. Funding may support reconstruction, repair, replacement, rehabilitation, or other facility improvements needed to restore safe learning environments and preserve child care capacity.
Examples of qualifying emergencies may include wildfire, earthquake, flood, landslide, mudslide, severe weather, or another immediate health or safety threat that creates unforeseen capital needs. (Routine maintenance, deferred maintenance, and planned upgrades are not eligible.)
- Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and grants will be distributed on a rolling basis.
- Eligible applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted.
UW Haring Center Weekly Support Group
The UW Haring Center invites early learning educators to join their virtual office hour — an open space to ask questions and talk about supporting children with complex needs in early learning environments. No in-service (STARS) hours will be given.
-
What: A space to ask questions and receive support - this is NOT a training
-
When: Every Monday until Dec 14 from 6 PM to 7 PM
You can share, subscribe, or unsubscribe below, as well as find last month's edition of our Newsletter on our website at any time.
In Health,
The Child Care Health Program
kingcounty.gov/childcare
|
|
|
|
|
