August 18, 2025 Best Practices to Prevent the Spread of Infections As the new school year begins, early learning programs can reduce the spread of illness by following routine health and safety practices. Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease The number of hand-foot-and-mouth disease cases are growing in the Philadelphia region. The illness, which typically produces rashes and painful sores, has primarily been spreading in day care centers and summer camps. Hand-foot-and-mouth is a mild illness caused by viruses – most often, a virus known as coxsackievirus A16 – according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease is most common in young children, but people of any age can catch it. Viruses that cause the illness can spread easily between people and through the air. Symptoms of the disease include sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. While there’s no specific treatment for hand-foot-and-mouth, most people get better in seven to 10 days. With the 2025-25 school year approaching, the likelihood of viruses like hand-foot-and-mouth and respiratory viruses spreading among students at school is on the rise. Preventing the Spread of Illnesses 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 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.
August 11, 2025 August Is National Immunization Month National Immunization Month is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Learn More Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages parents to ensure that their children’s immunizations are up-to-date as part of back-to-school preparations. According to recent CDC vaccination numbers, a large majority of children – between 80% and 92% – were vaccinated for routine immunizations, such as polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and other diseases. However, just less than 50% were vaccinated for the flu as of late April, while only 13% of children were up-to-date with the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Health requested that all licensed child care providers complete the Annual Child Care Immunization Survey by Friday, Sept. 19 to meet state reporting requirements. Resources Below is a list of resources for educators and parents, including information on vaccines, immunization schedules, and answers to frequently-asked questions: American Academy of Pediatrics – Healthychildren.org Immunization Page CDC easy-to-read immunization schedules CDC’s vaccine website for parents Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: Information
July 29, 2025 Resources for August Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources can help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and identify them. Here is a list of resources for August observances. Month-Long Observances Summer Sun Safety Month Child Mind Institute Provides Resources for Summer Sensory Processing Issues, Trying Together Kidsburgh Provides Heat Safety Tips for Children This Summer, Trying Together CDC Shares Sun Safety Tips for Schools, Trying Together Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, ELRC Region 5 Reducing Risk for Skin Care, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Be Safe in the Sun, American Cancer Society Sun Protection, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Sun Protection Tips for Those with Black and Brown Skin, Boston University Sun Safety and Prevention, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) August is National Immunization Awareness Month, Trying Together Your Child Needs Vaccines as They Grow, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Immunization Awareness Month, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccines for Children By Age, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccines for Children By Age – Spanish/Espanol, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Immunization Awareness Month, Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month An Eye Health Information Tool Kit for Parents and Caregivers, National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health Eye Health and Safety for Kids, National Eye Institute (NEI) Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care for Children, National Eye Institute (NEI) Eye Conditions and Diseases, National Eye Institute (NEI) Eye Conditions and Diseases – Spanish/Espanol, National Eye Institute (NEI) 6 Ways to Be Proactive About Your Child’s Eye Health, John Hopkins Medicine Resources for Parents of Blind and Low-Vision Children, Library of Congress: National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled Parenting Without Sight: What Attorneys and Social Workers Should Know About Blindness, National Federation for the Blind 25+ Children’s Books Featuring Visually Impaired Characters, WonderBaby Back to School Month Allegheny Child Care What is Allegheny Child Care? 2025-26 Kindergarten Enrollment Information, Pittsburgh Public Schools Your Child is Going to Kindergarten: Family Guide (ECLKC), Trying Together Kindergarten Transition: A Guide to Families, Trying Together National Breastfeeding Month Breastfeeding Resources, Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, Trying Together Breastfeeding Classes August is National Breastfeeding Month: Nourish, Sustain, Thrive, U.S. Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) Lactation Support, Healthy Start Center for Urban Breastfeeding (HSCUB) Breastfeeding, Kids Plus Pediatrics Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle (PBBC) Breastfeeding Resources, Birth Doulas of Pittsburgh Weeks of Recognition Aug. 3 – 9 is Exercise with Your Child Week Childhood Physical Health Resources, Trying Together Play and Physical Activity Guide for Educators and Families, Trying Together Supporting Childhood Physical Health: A Guide for Families – The Importance of Exercise, Trying Together Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Trying Together Air Quality Tips and Training Available for Families and Educators, Trying Together Days of Recognition Aug. 5 is National Night Out National Night Out, City of Pittsburgh City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety About National Night Out National Night Out Resources Aug. 9 is National Book Lover’s Day PA Promise for Children Releases List of July Books for Preschoolers, Trying Together OCDEL Kicks Off 2025 Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip, Trying Together Toolkit: Families and Schools Partnering for Children’s Literacy Success, Trying Together Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Books to Celebrate Gender Expression, Inclusion, and Pride, Trying Together Children’s Books About Transitions, Trying Together Children’s Books About Mental Health, Trying Together Aug. 15 is Back to School Prep Day 2025-26 Kindergarten Enrollment Information, Pittsburgh Public Schools 101 Back-to-School Tips for Parents and Kids, Care.com Back-to-School Tips for Families, HealthyChildren.org 11 Considerations Before Going Back to School as a Parent, Parents Magazine Aug. 26 is Women’s Equality Day Family Guide: Gender and Gender Identity, Trying Together Women’s Equality Day, The National Women’s History Alliance Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) Women’s Issues Support Groups in Pittsburgh, Psychology Today The Women and Girls Foundation
October 8, 2024 CDC Recommends Children and Adults Get Vaccinated for Flu Season The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that everyone over the age of 6 years get an updated flu vaccine. Learn More All U.S. flu vaccines for the 2024-25 season are trivalent – which means three component – vaccines that prevent against three influenza viruses: A(H1N1) virus A(H3N2) virus B/Victoria virus The CD also recommends that everyone, ages 6 and above, get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine helps to protect against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. The FDA recently approved and authorized the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. Every U.S. household is now eligible to order four free at-home tests.
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.
August 26, 2024 CDC Issues Update on Spread of Parvovirus B19 in United States The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an update on Parvovirus B19 activity in the United States. Learn More Parvovirus B19 is a respiratory virus that is transmitted through respiratory droplets. Infection usually causes no symptoms or mild illness, such as flu-like symptoms, rash, and joint pain. However, it can cause serious complications for high-risk groups. The CDC has issued a health alert to notify healthcare providers, public health authorities, and the public about the increases in parvovirus B19 activity around the nation. People who are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, or have certain blood disorders – such as sickle cell disease – should talk to their healthcare provider if they experience flu-like symptoms or might have been exposed to someone with parvovirus B19. Prevention The CDC recommends several preventative strategies to avoid the virus: Stay up to date with immunizations. Practice good hygiene. Take steps for cleaner air. When you have a respiratory virus, use precautions to prevent spread and seek healthcare promptly for testing or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness.
August 19, 2024 OCDEL, Penn State Project ECHO to Host Series for Spanish-Speaking Families The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Penn State Project ECHO will release a new series this fall that features the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and focuses on the needs of Spanish-speaking families. Learn More The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO), which launches in the fall, will feature the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early program, which is aimed at serving Spanish speakers. The CDC’s tools and resources allow families and early care providers to jointly engage in the early identification of developmental delays and disabilities among children from birth through age 5. Participants in the series will learn how to help support families with developmental milestone monitoring. It will highlight the utilization and promotion of the CDC’s Milestones Tracker App, which is a free developmental tracker resource offered in English and Spanish. The series is for early care providers only and registration is not limited to those who work only with Spanish-speaking families. The series will run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on the following Wednesdays: Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Nov. 6 Nov. 20 Dec. 4 More details and registration information will be announced in the September Early Ed News. Any questions should be sent to Ilecia Voughs at ivoughs@pattan.net.
July 29, 2024 Tips for Protecting Children During August’s Summer Sun Safety Month With the summer season in full swing and school being out – which means more youth outdoors – now is a good time to consider how to keep children safe while spending long periods of time in the sun. Learn More August is observed as Summer Sun Safety Month. So, now is a good time to learn how to stay safe while spending time in the sun and preventing sunburn, sun poisoning, skin cancer, or other heat-related ailments. Skin cancer is often caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, which come from the sun, tanning beds, and ultralamps. UV rays are an invisible type of radiation that can cause damage to skin cells, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to protect children from UV rays all year-round. The rays can reach individuals on cloudy days and can reflect off such surfaces as water, cement, sand, or snow. There are a number of methods for keeping children safe while spending time outdoors on hot, sunny days. The CDC recommends: Making sure they spend time in the shade, especially when engaging in activities Encouraging the use of hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen Not scheduling outdoor activities on days when the sun is strongest or the temperatures are especially high Providing breaks during outdoor activities to allow children to reapply sunscreen and drink water More Resources Additional tips on staying safe in the sun – but also tips on water safety, bug bites, and other topics – can be found in a 2023 brochure released by Allegheny County. Below are some resources on how to protect children and yourself during Summer Sun Safety Month – and during all months when outdoor activity is prevalent. CDC Shares Sun Safety Tips for Schools, Trying Together Allegheny County Shares Summer Safety Guidance, Trying Together Summer Safety Brochure, Allegheny County Health Department, Trying Together Reducing Risk for Skin Cancer, CDC Be Safe in the Sun, American Cancer Society Sun Protection, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Sun Protection Tips for Those with Black and Brown Skin, Boston University Sun Safety and Prevention, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
