Fall 2015 Health Link Online

HealthLink Online

Uniting Children, Parents, Caregivers, and Health Professionals

Three Newly Revised and a List of All ECELS Self-Learning Modules

Early educators have a vital role in the lives of children. What teachers/caregivers do can directly impact each child’s health and wellbeing. Teachers need the knowledge, skills and tools to meet this awesome responsibility! ECELS recently revised three self-learning modules so they are now updated and easy-to-use in online or print formats:

Each module meets STAR Level 2 Performance Standards for Health and Safety and provides 2 hours of professional development credit. See the brief overview of each module below, click on the active link above or go to the ECELS website at www.ecels-healthychildcarepa.org Select the Professional Development/Training tab at the top of the page, then Self-Learning Modules. Find the one you want to use in the alphabetical listing of the more than 30 Self-Learning Modules that ECELS offers.

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Behavior: Managing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children Self-learning Module

Each day, early educators work to keep children physically healthy. Promoting good mental health is especially important! Teachers/caregivers need appropriate and effective methods to respond to all-too-common challenging behaviors. ECELS has a new self-learning module that describes biological and environmental risk factors for challenging behaviors. It suggests tools for behaviors that are related to childhood development. The module helps users identify policies to help prevent suspension and expulsion of children. Learn strategies to promote good mental health.

no smoking sign pg 7Food Allergy Self Learning Module  

Food allergies and the medications used to treat them can seem over-whelming. The best practice information provided in this module will clarify the early educator’s role in the safe enrollment and care of children with allergies. Learn the basics of food allergy. Identify risks in the early care and education program and how to plan to reduce risk. Practice label reading to avoid allergens. Use a care plan to effectively manage the allergies of children. Correctly manage the lifesaving medications needed by some children. Learn how to prevent a food allergy response through strategies and simple modifications.

Second-hand Smoke Self Learning Module

Many children are exposed to toxins such as cigarette smoke when they are not in the early care and education program. Teachers can play an important role in educating children and their families about the hazards of cigarette smoke. Learn about second and third-hand smoke and why exposure causes children to be sick more often. Learn how to protect children from disease caused by smoke exposure. Understand why electronic cigarettes and liquid nicotine are hazardous. Teach children about the risks of exposure to tobacco products and how to avoid these hazards. Provide tools for parents and staff who smoke to help them quit.

All ECELS Self-Learning Modules on the ECELS website as of October 2015:

Active Play (2 hours)
Asthma (2 hours)
Behavior: Managing Challenging Behaviors in School-Age Children (1 hour)
Behavior: Managing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children (2 hours)
Bloodborne Pathogens: Keeping Safe While Touching Blood (2 hours)
Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Center (2 hours)
Child Abuse and Neglect (Child Abuse Mandated Reporter) [state approval pending]
Children with Medical and Developmental Special Needs, Inclusive Practices (2 hours)
Choose and Use a Child Care Health Consultant (2 hours)
Common Illnesses in Child Care (2 hours)
ECELS Health and Safety for Neighbor–Relative Providers
Emergency Planning (2 hours)
Environmental Health (2 hours)
Family Child Care Health and Safety (2 hours)
Fire Safety (3 hours)
Fitness and Nutrition: Moving and Munching, Supporting Wellness in Early Learning Programs (3 hours)
Food Allergy (2 hours)
Head Bumps Matter, Protecting Young Brains (2 hours)
Health Consultation in Child Care (3 hours)
Health Records: Easing the Burden of Managing Child Health Records (2 hours)
Immunization (2 hours)
Indoor Air Quality (2 Hours)
Infants and Toddlers: Tips for Providing Quality Care (2 hours)
Injury Prevention: Practice and Teach Injury Prevention (2 hours)
Medication Administration in Early Education and Child Care (2 hours + 1 hour extra credit)
Model Child Care Health Policies (2 hours)
Oral Health (2 hours)
Pest Management: Integrated Pest Management (3 Hours)
Preventing and Managing Infectious Diseases in Early Education and Child Care (3 hours)
Safe Sleep & Reduce the Risk of SIDS (1 hour)
Second-hand Smoke (2 hours)
Sun Safety (2 hours)
Transporting Children: Are We There Yet? (2 hours)
Using the Professional Development Registry