The American Academy of Pediatrics parenting website has many COVID-19 resources to support families.  These include: Parenting in a Pandemic; Working and Learning; Getting Outside; Masks for Kids; New Baby Challenges; Disinfectant Safety and Breastfeeding.

All children, birth to 6 years of age, should participate daily in:

     a. Two to 3 occasions of active play outdoors, weather permitting (see Standard 3.1.3.2: Playing Outdoors for appropriate weather conditions)

     b. Two or more structured or caregiver/teacher/adult-led activities or games that promote movement over the course of the day—indoor or outdoor

     c. Continuous opportunities to develop and practice age-appropriate gross motor and movement skills

Here is the link CFOC Standards Database | National Resource Center (nrckids.org)

Easter Seals is offering a free online version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) developmental screening tool. Both parents and child care providers can use the ASQ to track children's development through age five. The tool can identify concerns for which children should receive appropriate services to be ready to enter K-12 school. The ASQ online does not include the component that evaluates behavior. However, it is widely accepted for basic screening. Many Keystone STARS programs are using a version of the ASQ now.

Be sure to have parents bring the results of the ASQ to their health care provider for review and discussion. This is especially important if the screening tool reveals concerns about the child's development. Child care providers should know how to refer children for further developmental evaluation. Call Find the ASQ online on the website of Easter Seals Make the First  Five Count: http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageNavigator/ntlc10_mffc_homepageasq.html.

Asthma is among the most common chronic health conditions of childhood. Untreated asthma can make it difficult to play, learn, and grow. Warning signs include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. An asthma trigger is anything that causes an asthma episode. Common triggers include allergies, illness, exercise, chemicals, and smoke. Consistent care of children with asthma at home and in the child care setting is critical to their wellbeing.

Good communication is essential to good care! Open dialogue between the teachers/caregivers and family is a priority. With parent consent, contact the child’s health care provider periodically to report observations of the child during the time the child is in the program. Before the health professional can discuss any patient, the child’s parent or legal guardian needs to complete an authorization for release of information. Use the Authorization for Release of Information form on the ECELS website or other permission form the health provider requires.  

To learn more about asthma and how to reduce allergens in your home, here are some tip sheets for parents and caregivers: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/LMBBasthma/asthma-publications-patients-and-caregivers