PRESCHOOL PROMISE GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE IS THIS THURSDAY, AUG. 4
Submit or complete your grant applications for Preschool Promise (PSP) by Thursday, Aug. 4 at 11:59 p.m. Only new applicants or current Preschool Promise providers interested in adding slots need to apply. Questions? Visit the PSP webpage for frequently asked questions and answers https://oregonearlylearning.com/preschool-promise or contact PSPRFA@ode.oregon.gov.
OREGON EARLY CHILDHOOD SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION PREVENTION PROGRAM
In 2022, Oregon Legislature passed HB 5202 and approved funding to establish the Early Childhood Suspension and Expulsion Prevention Program. Recently, Katrina Miller (ELD’s infant and early childhood mental health specialist) provided a short update at the July Provider Information Sessions. From April to July 2022, a group of community members formed a Rulemaking Advisory Committee and drafted the new rules for this program.
For more information on the Early Childhood Suspension and Expulsion Prevention Program, including a background, timeline, and resources, visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/sepp. Watch for updates as this program continues to develop.
What if instead of calling it…
The “Suspension and Expulsion Prevention Program”
We called it…
The “making sure ECE providers have the training, coaching, consultation, and other supports they need to be able to support every child” program?
~ KATRINA MILLER
ELD INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
WHAT IS HMPXV A.K.A “MONKEYPOX”?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently identified two cases of monkeypox, also known as hMPXV, in children. According to the CDC, young children, children with eczema and other skin conditions, and children with immunocompromising conditions may be at increased risk of severe disease.
Here is some background information from the Oregon Health Authority:
The virus originally got its common name “monkeypox” after the first recognized outbreak was in monkeys in a Danish laboratory in 1958. hMPXV is the human version of the monkeypox virus. According to the World Health Organization, the term “monkeypox” has been criticized by scientists as being discriminatory and stigmatizing.
Is it similar to smallpox? It’s in the same group of viruses, but this isn’t smallpox. hMPXV is much harder to catch, and it is not as severe. There are two strains of this virus, and the main virus that is circulating now causes milder disease. Most people are recovering at home without any special treatment.
What are the symptoms? Illness typically starts with fever, headache, and muscle aches. This is followed in one to three days by a rash, often on the face, spreading to the limbs. The rash starts with flat patches that then form large, firm bumps, which then fill with fluid or pus. These bumps then scab and fall off, usually within two to four weeks.
Who is most at risk for hMPXV in the current outbreak? The current outbreak in the U.S. has high rates of known cases among gay and bisexual men and transgender and non-binary people who have traveled to countries with hMPXV cases or have had contact with someone else with hMPXV. However, this virus is not limited by gender or sexuality and can spread to anyone, anywhere through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.
Should I vaccinate my children against it now? No. No vaccine is needed at this point. Vaccines would be used to protect people who have known exposure to someone ill with hMPXV infection. The vaccine works to prevent or decrease disease even after someone was exposed.
For the CDC’s guidance on hMPXV and children, visit https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/clinicians/pediatric.html
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER FOR EARLY LEARNERS
After two years of COVID-19 disruptions, it may be more important than ever to spend this summer exploring the outdoors with young children.
Chief Operating Officer of the Mid-Columbia Children’s Council Dr. Velvet Cooley shares some tips and insights on why spending time outdoors is proven to have a calming effect and enhance mental health, even for young children.
Read more on our blog about the Tygh Valley Head Start outdoor program and the differences Dr. Cooley has seen in young learners since the pandemic.
MANY OREGON COUNTIES REMAIN AT “HIGH RISK” FOR COVID-19 TRANSMISSION
A total of 15 Oregon counties are in “high” transmission under the CDC’s COVID-19 community levels. During “high risk” periods in your community, child care programs are encouraged to take increased prevention strategies. When transmission is “high,” we recommend universal indoor masking for all individuals ages 2 and older and other precautions. Learn more on ELD’s “For Providers” page.
The CDC risk levels are updated weekly. You can refer to the CDC map for the latest information.
Programs are required to report COVID-19 cases to their Local Public Health Authority. Review ELD’s COVID-19 Requirements and Recommendations: https://oregonearlylearning.com/COVID-19-Resources/For-Providers.
CHANGES COMING TO OREGON HEALTH AUTHORITY’S CHILD CARE OUTBREAK REPORTING
Starting Aug. 10, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will stop reporting recent cases, active outbreaks, and resolved outbreaks in workplaces, child care settings, and K-12 schools (tables 3-9) in the COVID-19 Biweekly Outbreak Report. OHA will continue to report active and resolved outbreaks in long-term care facilities, senior living communities, and congregate living settings (tables 1-2).
These changes do not affect child care case and outbreak reporting to OHA. The agency will continue to work with local public health authorities to provide resources and support during outbreak responses, as appropriate.
OHA shared in a newsletter it’s making the changes for several reasons. One reason is to align agency resources and staffing with the current stage of the pandemic and other public health needs. The biweekly outbreak reporting process is not fully automated and requires many hours of careful review to ensure accurate reporting. In addition, universal case investigation and contract tracing ended earlier this year, and OHA advised local public health authorities to focus data collection and response on outbreaks in high-risk settings, rather than in all settings.