I just learned of this, so I am trying to get this out to as many providers as I can before Wednesday.


Ladies, this COMING Wednesday, December 19, 2012 there will be an open meeting of the Health Policy Oversight Committee at 10:00am, 300 South West 10th, Topeka, KS 66612, Room 548-S to discuss Lexie's Law. Please submit your opinions to Representative Brenda Landwehr brenda.landwehr@house.ks.gov. Send a forward to Iraida Orr at the Kansas Legislative Research Department Iraida.Orr@klrd.ks.gov

Tell them how the law has affected you and your business. Be sure to include the good along with the bad to show we aren't all complaining only. Do you feel consultations should be included in the online notes, possibly misleading parents searching for care? Tell them! What are your thoughts on the state requiring liability insurance? Tell them! How has it impacted you? How is care different day to day? Do you feel that the information about complaints is enough? From my research, all the information given is "completed" or "needs corrections." How does that tell providers or parents the correct information about complaints? 

There have been improvements but also hair-pulling frustrations. TELL THEM!

Please also see some updates and new information here if you haven't already viewed this.

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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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Do you know a daycare provider who has shown outstanding devotion in supporting
Family Child Care Providers in Kansas and whose leadership has promoted quality standards in the field?

If so, you can submit the provider's name for the Hunter Advocacy Award.

The Hunter Advocacy Award was established in 1998 in recognition of the critical role Kharon Hunter played in the formation of the state organization for family child care providers and her continued advocacy efforts.
Kharon was well known throughout the State as a dedicated trainer and advocate, and an ever-present source of knowledge and information to all who knew her. 
Kharon lost the battle with breast cancer after a `14 year struggle and passed away in December 2000. However,she left behind a legacy including many family child care providers who were proud to call
her mentor and friend. 
This award serves as a continuing tribute to her life and untiring efforts on behalf of children, families, 
and the profession of family child care. 
(submitted by Corinne Carr, Professional Development) Please email if someone in your area is deserving of this award. special_blessings42@yahoo.com

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