Newsletter – September 2020
We know this is a busy time for child care programs as you gear up for Fall enrollments and the start of a new school year. Our hope is that your families are making the decision to return to child care and school knowing everything you have done thus far has shown to be safe and effective for the children in your care. Despite recent reports saying children actually transmit the virus to adults, we are concerned that the data does not look at the entire picture. We are not seeing any major, sweeping outbreaks in the child care or school setting. Not sure what to make of this, other than to say, “Keep doing what you’re doing!” We continue to be impressed with your level of commitment to the children and families in your care. You are the silent warriors working hard to keep our world intact and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.
Stay healthy!
Molly Orlando, RN
Co-Owner – Child Health Connection
Medication Administration Training Breakdown
This is a busy time of year when current staff and new staff need to complete Medication Administration Training and/or delegation. This includes Severe Allergy ONLY and Asthma ONLY trainings. We hope the following helps to clarify the three steps to complete these Medication Administration Trainings (MAT).
MAT Part 1: Knowledge Building Online Training – This is completed at the Colorado Shines PDIS website. Staff must pass a test and print their certificate prior to Part 2. Training needs to be completed every 3 years along with Part 2.
MAT Part 2: Practical Skills Application Training – Part 2 needs to be completed within 30 days of Part 1 with a Child Care Health Consultant. (This may not necessarily be your center’s nurse consultant.) It is the second step in the MAT training for a hands on, face to face time with a nurse. This needs to be done to complete the certificate and earn contact hours. Training is completed every 3 years along with Part 1.
MAT Part 3: Delegation – Identified staff will meet with their centers CCHC for delegation. Staff must demonstrate competency in his/her ability to administer medication to the CCHC, who is delegating the task of medication administration. It is the CCHC’s responsibility to use professional judgment to make decisions related to the amount, frequency, and type of supervision needed throughout the year. Delegation is done annually.
In addition, please refer to the Full Medication Training Breakdown chart to learn more about Child Health Connections training services and fees.
https://childhealthconnection.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Full-Medication-Training-Breakdown.pdf
Remember Your Seasonal Flu Shot!
The CDC recommends the influenza vaccine as being more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself and the people around you from flu, and to help reduce the strain on health care systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seasonal flu shots protect against the three or four influenza viruses that research suggests may be most common during the upcoming season. The following is a flyer you can share with your parents regarding the Flu Vaccine:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/family/flu-guide-for-parents-2018.pdf
The updated “How Sick is too Sick” document
We’ve been hearing rumors that this document was in the works – it’s finally here! Updates include guidance for managing COVID-19 in the school/child care setting.
COVID-19 Guidance
Here is a link to all of the latest guidance from CDPHE. Just a reminder that positive COVID-19 cases still need to be reported to your local health department for tracking and further recommendations.
https://covid19.colorado.gov/cases-and-outbreaks-child-care-schools#RespondingToCOVIDtable
Air Quality Concerns
Colorado has been challenged recently with forest fires making air quality poor and adversely affecting those with underlying health conditions. The American Lung Association recommends the following outdoor activity advisory when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is high. This is particularly important to keep in mind for your children with asthma care plans.
https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/air-quality-index
