APPLICATIONS OPEN: COMMUNITY RULES REVISION WORKGROUP
The Office of Child Care (OCC) is revising the Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) for Certified Child Care Centers. As part of this revision, OCC is hosting a Community Rule Revision Workgroup. Applications are now open to participate in this workgroup and provide input and suggestions for these rules. Participants will be reimbursed for time dedicated to this workgroup.
Please consider applying and share this opportunity with your early learning community. The deadline to apply is December 23, 2022 at 5 p.m. For more information, including workgroup focus and meeting schedule, visit https://oregonearlylearning.com/childcare-rules/CRRWorkgroup
OHA TO PROVIDERS: YOU DO NOT NEED TO REQUIRE A NEGATIVE RSV TEST FOR CHILDREN IN CARE
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and health care providers are reporting an increase in families requesting RSV testing for their children, and that some child care providers may be requiring a negative RSV test to return to care. This presents a challenge for our health care system. RSV testing is not typically available outside of hospitals, and these requests place additional strain on hospitals and clinics already struggling to meet the demand for symptomatic patients in need of care.
While child care providers are required to follow exclusion requirements for symptoms of communicable illness, OHA does not recommended that families seek RSV testing for children unless testing is recommended by a health care professional. Child care providers do not need to require a negative RSV test in order for children to return to care.
RSV is a common respiratory virus, and usually only causes mild cold symptoms. However, it is important to seek medical care when it is needed. Symptoms of more serious illness include difficulty breathing, dehydration, discoloration in tongue, lips, or skin, and decreased activity or alertness. You can find more information on how to protect yourself, children and families on the OHA website.
Remember, OHA does recommend getting a COVID-19 test if there are symptoms like new cough, fever, shortness of breath, or new loss of taste or smell. Check out our COVID-19 Exclusion Guidelines, and find more information on how to get a COVID-19 test or vaccine. Plus, you can find information about flu prevention including how to get a flu vaccine.
IT’S NATIONAL SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH
Why is safe toys and gifts month important?
It alerts us to choking hazards. Choking is a major risk for children when playing with toys — specifically when children are under three years old. Completely inspect the level of choking risk for each toy.
It encourages child supervision. Toy manufacturers have come a long way in making their products safe for children to enjoy. However, the best way to manage and reduce risk is to have an adult watching.
We are more aware. Being aware and looking for the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) label on toys means that the toy has met the national safety standards.
Visit https://nationaltoday.com/safe-toys-and-gifts-month/ to learn more about toy safety and view lists of age-appropriate toys based on age.
SCHOOL-AGE CENTER RULES INFORMATION SESSION
RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Thank you to all who attended the virtual information sessions on November 29 and November 30. Please share your session experience by completing this feedback form.
During these sessions, attendees were able to
- Hear from Regional Manager Kristina Christian and Senior Licensing Specialist Cheryle Myers
- Learn about the rules for licensed programs that only care for school-age children
- Explore any questions about these rules
If you weren’t able to attend, watch the session recordings:
SHARE THE PRESCHOOL DEVELOPMENT GRANT (PDG) FAMILY SURVEY
The latest statewide Family Household Survey was launched on December 1, 2022. We invite all Oregon parents and caregivers of children ages birth to 5 years to participate in this 15-minute survey. The deadline to complete the survey is January 31, 2023.
This survey explores families’ experiences with and needs for early learning and care services. The Family Survey is part of the Early Learning Division’s Strengths and Needs Assessment research funded by the Preschool Development Grant. This survey was developed in partnership with our research partners at Portland State University’s Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services (PSU CCF) and OSLC Developments Inc. (ODI).
- Surveys are available in six languages: Chinese, English, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- Parents/caregivers who participate will receive a $20 gift card to thank them for completing the survey (One gift card per household).
- If you have questions or would like to request fliers or survey links, please contact Denise Ford with ODI at denisef@oslc.org or (916) 205-6851.