News
Health Trends in Early Childhood
The Pennsylvania Key kicks off the monthly resource, Health Trends in Early Childhood, focused on trending health issues related to children from birth to age five and their families and caregivers. Health Trends focuses on what we can do to keep children healthy.
Each month, find information about a recent health trend in early childhood, learn why it is important, discover the impact it has on children, their families and caregivers, and the community, as well as actions we can take to ensure the health and well-being of children in our communities. You can also find reliable resources to learn more about the issue. Feel free to print and share the one-page Health Trend and explore the resources.
Measles - HealthyChildren.org Resources
Meet your state-required Mandated Reporter Training requirements (at no cost)
Using iLookOut’s online, interactive, story-based training –which you can complete on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The iLookOut program has 2 parts:
-
Mandated Reporter Training: interactive video-based storyline (3 hours total)
-
Advanced Training: 5-12-minute animated micro-learning exercises (3 hours total)
By completing both iLookOut Trainings and the follow-up quiz you will:
-
Satisfy Act 31 mandated reporter training requirements (as well as Act 126 requirements for Pennsylvania teachers)
-
Receive 6 hours of early childhood Professional Development credit from the PA Key (free of charge)
-
Receive a $15 gift card to thank you
-
Learn more about supporting at-risk children and their families
-
Help us determine the most effective way to prepare mandated reporters
Unlike other mandated reporter trainings, iLookOut:
-
Has been shown in published research to improve knowledge and change attitudes about child abuse and its reporting
-
Uses a video-based storyline and gamification
-
Is the mandated reporter training used by Head Start programs nationwide
To complete the training and participate, click on iLookOutPA.org
Please know that you are able to participate in this study even if you have previously completed iLookOut or another mandated reporter training.
Please share this training opportunity with other early childhood providers.
If you have any questions, you can contact the iLookOut team at 717-531-4552 or ilookout@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
This opportunity is provided by the Penn State College of Medicine and the iLookOut research team. It is part of a study to better understand how to prepare adults to protect at-risk children and support them and their families. To learn more about this research, click on iLookOutProject.org.
FREE Lead Screening for 1 year - 6 year old's
Department of Health Lead Screening Flyer
Please call 570-963-4567 to schedule an appointment thru July 2025
RSV, Flu & COVID: How Are These Respiratory Illnesses Different?
Your child has a stuffy nose, cough and fever. Is it the flu? COVID? Or are they symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
Learn the differences here: https://www.healthychildren.org
January Action for Happiness Calendar
Happier January - calendar + link to sign-up for monthly updates from Action for Happiness website: https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar
RSV in Infants and Young Children
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus that affects the lungs. RSV season starts in the fall and peaks in the winter in most regions of the United States. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.
Learn the options to protect your child from RSV and steps to take to prevent respiratory virus prevention.
Allergy-Friendly Candy Guide
Looking for candy for the kids (or kids at heart) in your life who have food allergies? Check out our candy guide for food-allergy-friendly sweets! You can use this guide when shopping for candy for holidays, gatherings, treats, parties, or just for fun!
The guide includes candy and gum options free of the most common food allergens – milk, egg, soy, peanut, tree nuts (not including coconut), sesame, wheat, gluten, fish, and shellfish.
Remember, read labels every time on any food you give your child or any food item your child receives. Ingredients can vary for many reasons, especially on different sizes and treats in seasonal packaging.
Looking for non-food treat ideas? We've got you covered - check out our list!
2025 Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
The CDC has released the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age, Recommendations for Ages 6Years or Younger, United States, for 2025. Be sure to check out the CDC site for more information:
-
Vaccine & Immunizations Schedules: Your child needs vaccines as they grow! | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC
Add a Title
Add a Title
Heat Kills Children in Vehicles
Children die in hot vehicles every year. Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees and the ability to maintain or control body temperature is overwhelmed. Vehicles heat up quickly – even with a window rolled down two inches. If the outside temperature is in the low 80°s Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes!
Warning signs of heatstroke include:
-
Red, hot, and moist or dry skin
-
No sweating, even though the child is warm
-
Strong rapid pulse or slow weak pulse
-
Throbbing headache
-
Dizziness
-
Nausea
-
Confusion, or acting strangely
The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration provides resources on how to prevent hot car deaths.
Water beads can be deadly to babies and small children if ingested
Water beads can be deadly to babies and small children if ingested, and can lead to choking, internal injuries and even death if left undetected notes the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The CPSC urges parents and caregivers to remove these products from any environment with children. CPSC also urges childcare centers, camps, and schools to avoid these products entirely. If you suspect your child has swallowed a water bead or inserted a water bead into their ear or nose, seek medical treatment right away.
For more information:
Water Beads: Harmful if Swallowed, Put in Ears - HealthyChildren.org
Are Water Beads Dangerous? | Poison Control
Report any dangerous product or a product-related injury & experiences with water beads on SaferProducts.gov.
You can additionally help to promote awareness with this printable poster SafetyAlert_5101_WaterBeads_092023_v6.pdf (cpsc.gov)
Flu Deaths in Children Reached 200 for the 2023-24 Season
September 27, 2024 – CDC reported one new flu-related death in a child last week, bringing the total number of U.S. pediatric deaths for the 2023-2024 season to 200. This number of pediatric deaths exceeds the previous high reported for a regular (non-pandemic) flu season. The previous high of 199 deaths was reported during the 2019-2020 season. Consistent with other seasons, of children who were eligible for a flu vaccine and for whom vaccination status was known, about 80 percent were not fully vaccinated.
Getting your child a flu vaccine is the most effective step to reduce the risk of flu illness and flu-related doctor’s visits and missed school days; flu vaccination also reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death. In the 2023-2024 season, estimates indicated that flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu related medical visits by approximately two-thirds and halved the risk of flu-related hospitalization for vaccinated children. September and October are the best times for most children to receive flu vaccine. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine, especially children at higher risk for serious flu complications.
Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2023-2024/2023-2024