Health education materials

Child Care Health Program educational materials for parents and providers are available at 206-296-4902 or by downloading the order form available in Adobe Acrobat PDF and Microsoft Word formats:

	2001 Child Care Health Handbook (latest version)
	Child Care Behavior Handbook
	Caregiver - Parent Health Connection

Download the Child Care Publications Order form in Adobe Acrobat PDF format.

Download the Child Care Publications Order form in Microsoft Word format.

Tips and fact sheets

Ask the Child Care Health Team! Got a question about your child care facility? Ask the Child Care Health Team! This information answers questions that many child care providers ask. Click here for questions and answers.

INSTRUCTIONS: To view topics, press on the colored tabs below to expand and contract topic lists.

Pack Facts: Summer Sack Lunch Safety Tips for ensuring that food in sack lunches are kept safe to protect from foodborne illnesses. Swim safely and stay healthy at beaches and pools this summer Public Health-Seattle & King County reminds swimmers to avoid swimming areas without lifeguards and to stay healthy by practicing good water hygiene to avoid recreational water illnesses and swimmers’ itch. Bike helmets Bicycle accidents can cause severe head or brain injuries that can have serious effects. Making bicycle helmet use a habit is the best way for you to protect your children when they ride their bike or trike! Sun Protection Guidelines for Child Care Providers Sun exposure can be hazardous to your health. People of all skin colors, from dark to light, can burn, and therefore need protection from the sun's harmful rays. Hot Weather Hot weather is making a welcome return to the Puget Sound area. When the temperature soars, you might plan on making some changes in your usual routine. Planning for a Safe Field Trip A little advanced planning can help make your trip a successful occasion that the children will remember with pleasure.

How can I encourage physical activity in my childcare program? A recent study designed to identify factors associated with physical activity in young children found that the activity level in the child care center had a profound effect on the child’s overall physical activity. How can I encourage physical activity in my childcare program? A recent study designed to identify factors associated with physical activity in young children found that the activity level in the child care center had a profound effect on the child’s overall physical activity. Have you heard about the new Dietary Guidelines? Although the new Dietary Guidelines are geared toward Americans over 2 years of age, there are some recommendations aimed at young children. Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD) The ABCD Dental Program focuses on preventive and restorative dental care for children from birth through age six. Make the "Moo"ve to 1% or Fat Free Milk Switching to 1% or fat free milk is one of the easiest ways to assure that children over the age of 2 years get the calcium and vitamin D that they need, while reducing their saturated fat intake and heart disease risk. Babies Were Born to be Breastfed Public Health - Seattle & King County promotes breastfeeding because of the overwhelming benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, including the prevention of serious disease. February is Oral Health Month What can childcare providers do to promote oral health? Click above to find out. Preventing Choking on Food by Children Although children can choke on any food, foods that are hard or tough to chew, slippery, small and round, or sticky present an increased risk. The Power of Physical Activity The evidence is building and is more convincing than ever! Physical activity can improve health and well-being. Regular physical activity in childhood has many benefits. A Look at Child Obesity Not only are 60% of American adults overweight, toddlers are now counted among the groups with increased rates of obesity leading to potentially damaging health complications. The Wonderful World of Grains Foods from grains like wheat, rice and oats are the foundation of a healthy diet. Grains form the base of the Food Guide Pyramid and provide important nutrients. Healthful cooking activities for kids Cooking with kids allows them to become familiar with foods they might not otherwise see or eat and children will often eat foods which they have prepared even if they refused them previously. Food and nutrition-themed picture books for young children There are many wonderful picture books for children. Some, however, are more useful than others for conveying positive nutrition messages. Eating fish with high levels of mercury The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against eating certain large, long-lived predator fish because they may contain high levels of mercury. Nutrition Activites for School Age Kids Fun activities that encourage kids to eat healthy foods and take an active role in developing well-balanced nutrition habits.

Achoo! Achoo! Is that the Flu? Immunizations Keep Children Safe and Healthy Pandemic flu and child care Safety of serving beef to children at childcare centers Reportable Diseases Back to school immunizations Immunizations and vaccine shortages Describes "conditional status" of children who have not received their full immunizations due to temporary vaccine shortages.

Helping children cope with stress: Tips for the holiday season Children respond to stress in their own ways: crying, tantrums, clinging, excessive energy, temporary regression such as thumb sucking and many other ways. Preparing for the unexpected Information for developing a disaster response plan for your child care facility. Coping with traumatic events 10 Tips to Help Children Manage When Disaster Strikes

Important Product Recall Information (updated monthly) Think safety when choosing toys for your child! Many toys are designed and manufactured with safety in mind but even the most carefully constructed toy can be misused or broken.

Soil safety tips: We all know it can be a challenge to keep children from playing in the dirt and putting their hands in their mouths. Dust, dirt and mud are kid magnets! Clean Toys Help Prevent Disease: Guidelines for Childcare Facilities (brochure in MS Word format)

Infant formula and fluoride Pedestrian Safety: Walk with Care Everywhere! Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Risk Reduction Playing Outside in Northwest Weather What's a booster seat? Television and its effect on children - birth to three: American Academy of Pediatrics research indicates that the fast-paced action features of children's television programming may be a contributing cause of attention disorders in children. Getting school ready: Success in school begins with loving and dependable care providers who offer children a variety of opportunities to learn. Early Learning Outreach Program (external link) The Puget Sound Educational Service District Early Learning Outreach Program (ELOP) connects early childhood educators and parents to resources, research based information and professional development focused the early learning and development of children birth to age eight. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Learn more about SIDS including safety tips for sleeping babies.

Other Child Care Health activities

Information on other topics is available by contacting your Public Health Nurse at (206) 296-2770 including the following: