Updates and New Information

Thursday, December 13, 2012

This is just a reminder that all KS providers need to have the required classes by February 3rd, 2013. The required classes are: Safe Slumber (Sleep); Signs & Symptoms of Abuse &; Neglect with head trauma prevention; Basic Child Growth & Development; Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR.

Here are some updates and some information about infant swings and poisonous plants.


Updates:

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES
Electronic or Vapor cigarettes are considered cigarettes under Child Care regulations and are not allowed to be used in the child care setting.

SCREEN FREE MOMENTS WEBSITE
Greetings! We have a brand-new product available for your viewing enjoyment. "Screen Free Moments: Promoting Healthy Habits" will show you a few simple ways to limit or even eventually eliminate screen time in your family child care home. You can view it at http://nrckids.org/ScreeFreeMoments/index.htm 

SUPERVISION PLANS
When writing your supervision plan be sure it includes a description of each room of your home that is used for child care, what activities take place in each room and how you will provide supervision to the children when they are in each of the rooms. Be sure to include your outdoor play area in your supervision plan and how you supervise children when they are outside.

SAFE SLEEP PLANS
When writing your safe sleep plan be sure to include children under 12 months of age as well as children over 12 months of age. You need to include what room they sleep in, what they nap in or on, what type of bedding will be used and how often they will be checked on.

EMR FORM
The EMR form, also known as the Emergency Medical Consent form, is required for all children in care. It will have the provider’s name, sub’s name if you have a sub, child’s full name, start date, end date (or until termination or until no longer in care), parent signature and date, witness signature and date or notary signature and insurance information. In the past the insurance information was not required, but KDHE has informed surveyors that information needs to be completed or a copy of the insurance card attached to the EMR form. If the child has no insurance then the parent marks the NO box on the form.

Infant Swings: 
NEWS FROM CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has approved new federal safety standards for Infant Swings. The new standard effective date is May 7, 2013. Any swings used in child care must have swings that meet the new safety standards. 

The new federal standard, which incorporates provisions in the voluntary standard ASTM F2088 - 12a, requires the following:
  • a stronger, more explicit warning label to prevent slump-over deaths. The warning advises consumers to use a swing in the most reclined position until an infant is 4 months old and can hold up its head without help;
  • a stability test that prevents the swing from tipping over;
  • a test that prevents unintentional folding;
  • tests on restraint systems, which are intended to prevent slippage and breakage of the restraints during use;
  • the cradle swing surface to remain relatively flat, while in motion, and while at rest;
  • electrically-powered swings to be designed to prevent battery leakage and overheating.;
  • toy mobiles to be designed to ensure that toys do not detach when pulled;
  • swings with seats angles greater than 50 degrees to have shoulder strap restraints; and
  • dynamic and static load requirements to ensure that the infant swing can handle specified loads without breaking.
See the whole update from the CPSC here. 


Poisonous Plants:
PLANTS IN CHILD CARE
Do you have plants in your home that are accessible to children? Do you know if they are safe for children or if they are poisonous? If you have plants that are poisonous and they are within reach of children you will be cited for not having your facility arranged to provide for the safety of children. For more details please contact the Poison Control Center or visit their website.




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