Model Health Policies for Child Care Health Facilities
Materials may be reproduced with credit given to the Child Care Health Program, Public Health - Seattle & King County. If materials are changed or adapted please add the phrase "Adapted from materials developed by the Child Care Health Program, Public Health - Seattle & King County."
Breastfeeding: Child care providers play a very special role in helping babies get the best nutrition for a healthy start in life. Health professionals agree that breastmilk is the best food for babies. Babies that are separated from their mothers, and in your care, can still have the benefits of breastmilk. In order to support breastfeeding mothers and infants in the child care setting, the Child Care Health Program staff has created two documents. The first describes the components of a breastfeeding friendly child care program. The second is a model policy that is designed to assist child care providers in supporting breastfeeding mothers and infants and in protecting the health of breastfed babies. We hope that you will find these documents useful in your programs.
Communicable Disease Letters for Families: Use these updated letters to notify families about a possible exposure to an infectious disease. They advise staff and families on how to limit the spread of the disease, symptoms to look for, and whether a child may attend child care if affected. These letters can help you maintain a healthier child care environment; they also satisfy the posting requirement in WAC 170-295-3030.
If you have questions about communicable disease or exclusion from child care due to illness, please contact the Child Care Health Program at 206-296-2770.
Health Policies: Model health policies for child care centers and for school age care programs are available to download. Child Care Health Program Public Health Nurses are available to assist King County child care programs with development of a health policy. Please call 206-296-2770 to speak with a Public Health Nurse.
