This email newsletter update provides helpful information from the Bureau of Certification.
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As we move forward into 2017, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) continues its work towards helping Pennsylvania families through quality early childhood programs and services. A key piece of quality includes the safety of children, which the Bureau of Certification takes very seriously.

This email news update focuses on two safety issues: electronic cigarette use in child care environments and recommended immunizations for children from birth through age 18.

Please take the time to review the information and share it with your staff and families, as appropriate. We all care about the healthy growth of children and can benefit from sharing our knowledge!

Thank you for the great work you do for children and their families!

Sincerely,

Tanya Vasquez, Director
OCDEL Bureau of Certification 
Vaping and the Use of Electronic Cigarettes in a Child Care Facility
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The safety of our children in care remains the utmost priority. There have been some concerns regarding the recent trend of "vaping" and the potential use of e-cigarettes around children in care. 
 
Vaping is defined as the inhalation and exhalation of the vapor produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. An e-cigarette is a cigarette-shaped device containing a nicotine-based liquid that is vaporized and inhaled, used to simulate the experience of smoking tobacco.

Vaping or any use of e-cigarettes and similar devices should be categorized in the same class as regular cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. Therefore, e-cigarettes and like devices may not be used within a child care space, a play space or a food preparation area when children are in care or when food is being prepared.

Any observed violation of this regulation by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning and its representatives will result in a citation at §3270.68, §3280.68 or §3290.66, relating to smoking. 

View the full OCDEL Announcement C-17-02.  
 
Please contact your Regional Office with any questions.  
2017 Recommended Immunization Schedules Now Available
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Child care providers are encouraged to share these new recommended immunization schedules with families.

For children from birth through 6 years old. 

  

For children from 7 through 18 years old.  

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning supports families 
and their children, from prenatal through school age, by using data, research and 
stakeholder guidance to assure high quality services.