September 30, 2024 Tips from the CDC on Preventing Respiratory Virus Spread in Schools The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a list earlier this year of everyday actions that schools can undertake to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. Learn More With the 2024-25 school year underway, the likelihood of viruses, from COVID-19 to the common cold and respiratory viruses, spreading among students at school is on the rise. The CDC has provided guidance on how students can stay healthy by minimizing the spread of infections in school. Infections often spread because of shared objects, close contact with others, students playing closely together, a lack of cleaning and disinfection routines and supplies, and lack of proper ventilation. The CDC recommends that schools emphasize: Take steps for cleaner air Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting Hand washing Respiratory etiquette Vaccinations Cleaner Air The CDC suggests improving air quality by improving ventilation in buildings or moving gatherings outside. Strategies to provide cleaner air include: Ensuring existing HVAC systems are providing the minimum outdoor air ventilation requirement in accordance with ventilation design codes Considering ventilation design and/or enhancements when remodeling or constructing new buildings to optimize clean air Opening windows to increase ventilation, as long as this does not create a safety hazard Using portable air cleaners in spaces with low ventilation Holding some activities outside, such as lunch, certain classes, or recess Keeping bus windows open when it does not create a safety hazard Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Schools should put into place procedures for routinely cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched often – such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, phones, and toys. Surfaces that are visibly soiled with blood or other bodily fluids should be immediately cleaned. Schools should consult with their state or local health department to determine how to clean and disinfect particular infectious diseases when new pathogens emerge. Hand Washing Teaching and reinforcing proper handwashing can lower the risk of spreading illnesses. Schools should set routines or scheduled opportunities for handwashing throughout the day. Schools should also provide adequate handwashing supplies – soap, water, and power towels – within easy reach of users. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be provided. Respiratory Etiquette Schools should teach and reinforce respiratory etiquette to keep individuals from getting and spreading respiratory viruses, such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Teachers should reinforce covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throwing the used tissue in the trash after use. If a tissue is not available, students and staff should be reminded to sneeze into the elbow, not the hands. Handwashing should be performed immediately after blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing. Vaccinations Schools are recommended to stay up to date on vaccinations for students. All states have vaccination requirements for children attending school. Schools and health departments can promote routine and annual vaccinations by: Providing information about recommended vaccines to staff, students, and families Promote the safety and effectiveness of vaccines Establish supportive policies and practices that make getting vaccinated easy and convenient Make vaccinations available on-site by hosting school-located vaccination clinics or connect children, students, staff, and families to off-site locations More information on the CDC’s recommendations for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses can be found on its website.
September Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of August recalls collected from the following major federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Dynarex Corporation is recalling 62 cases of Dynacare Baby Powder because it has the potential to be contaminated with asbestos. The product was sent to 12 states – including Pennsylvania – in March. Glow in Dark Supplies Toy Sets, sold by OleOleToy on Amazon, have been recalled because they violate the mandatory federal battery-operated toy regulation. The Bunny Ears Headbands found in the sets contain button cell batteries that can be easily accessed without requiring the use of a household tool. When the batteries are swallowed, they can cause serious injuries, posing an ingestion hazard to children. Fisher-Price recalled its dumbbell toy in Baby Biceps Gift Sets. The gray caps on the end of the dumbbell toy can come off, posing a choking hazard to infants. Red Toolbox recalled its Stanley-Branded Jr. Kids Garden Sets, which were found in violation of a federal ban for lead in paint. The painted long hoe and rake of the set contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban, posing a poisoning hazard to children. Wee Gallery recalled its Baby Tummy Time Gallery, which violated the federal phthalates ban. The gallery’s art card pockets have clear plastic coverings that contain levels of a phthalate that exceeds the federal ban. Phthalates are toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects. Children’s Jewelry Sets, sold on Amazon by Newmemo, were recalled due to the risk of lead and cadmium poisoning. The sets were found to violate the federal lead content ban and Federal Hazardous Substances Act.
September 25, 2024 Resources for October Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources for October observances. Month-Long Observances HEAD START AWARENESS MONTH Head Start Awareness Month October 2024, National Today October is Head Start Awareness Month, Trying Together Head Start Awareness Month Digital Toolkit, ECLKC Head Start Awareness Month, National Head Start Association DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, International Dyslexia Association Understanding Dyslexia, Nemours KidsHealth Understanding Dyslexia, Child Mind Institute NATIONAL BOOK MONTH Why Is It Important to Read to Your Child?, Child Mind Institute Kids & Teens Booklists, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword PA Promise Releases Book List for Families and Friends, Buzzword Days of Recognition OCTOBER 2 IS NATIONAL CHILD HEALTH DAY Childhood Physical Health, Trying Together Childhood Physical Health: Resources, Trying Together Supporting Childhood Physical Health: A Guide for Families, Trying Together Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Trying Together OCTOBER 4 IS NATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY National Walk & Bike to School Day – October 2, 2024, National Today Celebrate Walk to School Day, Action for Healthy Kids OCTOBER 7 IS NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative Outdoor Play Trends, Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative The Benefits of Outdoor Play: Why It Matters, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia OCTOBER 9 IS INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY 11 Ways to Observe Indigenous People’s Day with Children, Rebekah Gienapp What is Indigenous People’s Day? Here’s a Look at Its History, Associated Press OCTOBER 10 IS WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY Childhood Mental Health, Trying Together Caring for the Caregiver, Trying Together Mental Health Resources for Child Care Providers in Allegheny County, Early Learning Resource Center Grandfamily Tip Sheets Provide Information on Self-Care and Youth Mental Health, Trying Together Parental Mental Health Impacts on Children, Trying Together OCTOBER 11 IS NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY Gender, Gender Identity, and LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Trying Together Family Guide: Gender and Gender Identity, Trying Together Non-Gendered Play in Early Childhood, Trying Together How Are Sex, Gender, and Gender Identity Defined?, Trying Together Resource List: Books to Celebrate Gender Expression, Inclusion, and Pride, Trying Together
September 24, 2024 Carnegie Library Celebrates Banned Books Week The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has provided a list of resources and titles to celebrate this year’s Banned Books Week. Learn More Banned Books Week runs this year from Sept. 22 to 28. This year’s theme is “Freed Between the Lines.” The library cites various forms of censorship that the week aims to combat – outright banning of books, restricting access to certain works, or relocating a book’s place on the library’s shelves. By highlighting books that have been censored, the library is aiming to raise awareness on the way censorship impacts communities. The library’s efforts include displays of banned titles or providing access to information and resources that are difficult to find. Among the library’s resources is Safeguarding Your Right to Read, which describes how the Carnegie Library protects the integrity of the library and readers’ access to books and information. The library has also created a Banned Books Week Bingo card that includes such suggestions as sharing a banned book suggestion on social media, reading a banned book to your child, or reading the library’s bill of rights. The library’s website also includes lists of banned books for: Children Teens Adults For more information on Banned Books Week, visit the Carnegie Library’s website.
PennAEYC Handouts Provides Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Information The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) has released a new, one-page handout that provides information on infant and toddler early intervention. Learn More The resource is intended for early care and education providers as well as the families they serve. It provides information about the Infant and Toddler Early Intervention program, which serves children who have or are at risk of developmental delays. The handout provides information on: Eligibility criteria and the enrollment process Available services and how they can support child development Contact information for referrals and questions The handout is aimed at helping families to determine whether the Infant and Toddler Early Intervention program is a good fit for their child. It can be found on PennAEYC’s website. Any questions about the handout should be emailed to Meg Eirkson, public policy and advocacy associate, at meirkson@pennaeyc.org.
September 23, 2024 APOST to Offer Mini Grants for Lights On Afterschool’s 25th Annual Event As part of its celebration of 25 years of Lights on Afterschool (LOA), Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time will offer a mini-grant to go toward implementing an event or project that celebrates LOA. Learn More Lights On Afterschool will hold its 25th annual nationwide event on Oct. 24 to celebrate after school programs and their role in the lives of children, families, and communities. The Afterschool Alliance organizes LOA events to draw attention to the ways that after school programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things and discover new skills. To support out-of-school time programs in Allegheny County, APOST is providing mini-grant funds to implement an event or project in celebration of Lights On Afterschool. Those who are chosen for mini grants will: Receive $500 to implement a Lights On Afterschool-inspired event or project Receive assistance from APOST staff, who will attend events or participate in projects where possible Have their projects/events listed on APOST’s website and communications Have a chance for their projects/events to be spotlighted in future APOST materials Those interested should apply for the mini-grant by Monday, Oct. 7. Be sure to read all the requirements for submission. Award notification will be within seven business days of submitting your application. Award distribution will be within 14 days. For more information on this year’s LOA event, visit Lights On Afterschool’s website.
Safety Tips for Keeping Children Safe on the School Bus With school back in session, Early Learning Resource Centers 1 and 2 are offering some tips for school bus safety. Learn More Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel, and drivers across the state all play a role in keeping children safe when they ride a school bus. While preparing to ride the bus, children should: Get to the bus stop five minutes early so you don’t have to run across the road to catch the bus Stay away from traffic while waiting for the bus and line up at least five large steps away from the curb Never run after the school bus if it has already left the stop Always walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing, so the bus driver can see you Cross with care; wait until the bus has stopped all traffic before stepping into the road While on the school bus, children should: Never push when getting on or off the bus Stay in your seat while the bus is moving and never put your head, arms, or hands out of the window Talk quietly so as not to distract the driver Be calm and quiet when the bus is crossing railroad tracks, so the driver can listen for a train Always obey the bus driver’s instructions, so they can make safe decisions Never play with the emergency exits; backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits Listen to the driver and follow instructions in the case of an emergency When getting off the school bus, children should: Make sure all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure, so they don’t get caught on the handrail or door Never cross the street behind the school bus Never go back for an item left on the bus or dropped outside of it; the driver may not see you and begin moving the bus Never speak to strangers at the bus stop or get into a car with a stranger
September 18, 2024 Neighborhood Allies to Host Real Estate Co-Powerment Series Neighborhood Allies’ Real Estate Co-Powerment Series is returning for its fall cohort, which includes class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from October through mid-November. Learn More The series is an education platform designed for community members, nonprofits, and small businesses. It demystifies the real estate development process, so that attendees can better participate in and benefit from their own neighborhood revitalization. Fall cohort classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from Oct. 1 through Nov. 14. There are more than 14 information-packed sessions. Classes will cover such topics as: Introduction to Real Estate Basics Community Engagement/Architecture and Design ProForma Intro to Construction Registration for classes is now open. Email tariq@neighborhoodallies.org with any questions.
September 17, 2024 Childhood Begins at Home Releases Brief on Medicaid Financing of Home Visiting Services The Childhood Begins at Home campaign has released a new brief that examines the opportunity of Medicaid financing of home visiting services to reach more Pennsylvania families. Learn More Voluntary home visiting programs employ nurses to support promoting the development and well-being of children and their families. The programs serve families that disproportionately face barriers to health – such as those living in poverty. “A Closer Look at Medicaid and Home Visiting in Pennsylvania” notes that 66% of Pennsylvania households receiving home visiting services through the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program were at or below 100% of federal poverty guidelines. This illustrates that many families already receiving home visits are eligible for Medicaid. It also shows there is an unmet need for many enrolled in Medicaid who do not have access to visits. The study found that: Approximately 45% of Pennsylvania children under age 6 are enrolled in Medicaid; this includes nearly 239,000 infants and toddlers (birth to age three) and 126,000 children ages four to five; About 34% of all births in Pennsylvania are financed by Medicaid. Despite MIECHV being reauthorized with additional federal funding opportunities following a 2021 financing report as well as an increase of $15 million increase in Pennsylvania’s 2022-23 state budget, home visiting in the state still only reaches about 7% of eligible families. Recommendations Recommendations for the state’s Department of Human Services in the brief include: Improve coordination between DHS’s offices that oversee home visiting Improve data collection and transparency Clarify the amount of funding supporting the home visiting program within DHS’ capitation line Communicate financing rules around MIECHV, Medicaid, and other federal or state sources to maximize the reach of available funding for home visiting programs For more information, read Childhood Begins at Home’s brief.
Annual Lights On Afterschool Celebration to Be Held in October Lights On Afterschool will hold its 25th annual nationwide event celebrating after school programs and their role in the lives of children, families, and communities in October. Learn More Lights On Afterschool has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement since its launch in October 2000. The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool events to draw attention to the numerous ways that afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things and discover new skills. Subjects and activities about which students learn through Lights On Afterschool include science, community service, robotics, poetry, and Tae Kwon Do, among others. The annual Lights On Afterschool events send a message that more children need quality afterschool programs around the nation. 2024 Event This year’s event will be held on Oct. 24. For more information, visit Lights On Afterschool’s website. Information about the winners of the event’s 2024 poster contest can be found on Lights On Afterschool’s blog. Those interested in hosting a Lights On event can register their event online.
