Early Learning Update Week of October 4th 

Each week I will send out an Early Learning Update email.  These are meant to be quick updates on any relevant items for the week including resources, Professional Development, new health department info and more.

Items Covered:

 

• All: Early Learning Screening and Assessment Inventory Reminder
• Licensed Only: DCYF to resume In-person Child Care Licensing Visits
• Licensed Only: Background Check update
• Licensed Only: DCYF Child Care Stabilization Grants  

Please see this week’s professional development opportunities and news: https://mycatholicschool.org/for-catholic-schools/catholic-identity/early-learning/

 

Early Learning Screening and Assessment Inventory Reminder
I have developed a 3-5 minute (4 question) Early Learning Screening and Assessment Inventory so I can gauge and have a good understanding of the tools and resources that are being used throughout our programs.  Thank you in advance for filling this out by Monday, October 4^th.  I will follow up with the results of the Inventory.  Please reach out to me if you need clarity on any of the questions and click the link below for access to fill out the inventory.

Early Learning Screening and Assessment Inventory – My Catholic School

 

DCYF to resume In-person Child Care Licensing Visits
Please see the statement below from DCYF about resuming In-Person Child Care Licensing Visits. There are multiple unanswered questions that I am working to get answers to and will keep you updated in the weekly updates.  Those questions include:

• Will in-person visits be scheduled? This is important for COVID-19 protocols so your staff team can be prepared for a safe visit
• How will we receive vaccine verification from the licensors
• Can in-person mean meeting with the licensor outside or after program hours and not allowing them access to participants

“The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was recently notified by the Administration for Children and Families Office of Child Care that the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program will no longer allow state agencies to request waivers linked to COVID-19.

As a result, DCYF must return to child care operations as required by CCDF by Oct. 1, 2021. This means that the temporary waiver allowing DCYF to conduct virtual monitoring visits will no longer be in effect, and no additional waivers or waiver extensions linked to COVID-19 will be considered at this time.

We recognize that in-person child care licensing visits may feel overwhelming as our state continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We support precautionary steps, such as physical distancing and appropriate personal protective equipment, to protect child care licensing staff, child care providers, and the families and children they serve.

As we transition back into the field, we will keep you updated as changes are made and what to expect moving forward.”

Licensed Only: Background Check update
As a follow up to last week’s Background Check FAQ.  DCYF released some good news this week.   The two main highlights:

“The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to supporting our child care community by continuing to allow child care staff to work supervised after submittal of their background application under the current state of emergency orders.

Effective Oct. 1, 2021:

• Child care background applicants may work supervised after submitting their background application.
• Applicants with pending background checks must remain under the direct supervision of another individual who has completed the required background check until their status in MERIT indicates “Cleared.”

 

Licensed Only: DCYF Child Care Stabilization Grants Coming Soon  
Some great news released by DCYF today on the upcoming Child Care Stabilization Grants.  More details and timeline to come after I attend the Webinar on October 12^th!

The Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is providing direct support through Child Care Stabilization Grants. Grants will be available for licensed childcare providers.  Child Care Stabilization Grants will support providers in sustaining their child care business and ensuring affordable, high-quality child care services are available to families.

When Can I Apply?

The grant application will be available soon and will remain open through June 30, 2022. DCYF will notify providers by email when the application is available.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

• All licensed child care providers in Washington State with an open license in good standing

What is the Amount of the Grant?

Individual grant amounts will vary based on provider type, licensed capacity, and demographic and subsidy data. DCYF expects the average grant amounts will total approximately:

• $24,000 – $59,000 for Small Child Care Centers (Licensed Capacity Less Than 50)
• $55,000 – $90,000 for Large Child Care Centers (Licensed Capacity Greater Than 50)

This grant is not competitive. All providers who are eligible and apply will receive a grant. Providers can use the grant for operating costs such as utility bills, rent or space costs, internet service, and worker compensation and benefits.

DCYF will host a Webinar to learn more about the grant (I will attend and share all the details)

Child Care Stabilization Grants Webinar

Tuesday, October 12
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Join Here
Access Code: 2458 448 1649
Password: DCYF2021
Call-in Number: 1.360.810.3022

 

Thank you and have a wonderful week!