Following the close of 2016, we look back and reflect on our many accomplishments—from the launch of our 10^th Parents and the High Cost of Child Care report to the start of our Child Care Works movement, just to name a few. This year we have experienced tremendous growth and a steady dose of positive change. As an organization, Child Care Aware® of America has gone above and beyond to create and sustain a commitment to a quality workplace in support of children and families in policy and practice. Looking forward, we are prepared to make our impact during the first 100 days of the new administration and beyond to ensure that child care remains a top priority.

Below are some additional highlighted from December.

This month we are acknowledging National Radon Action Month. We encourage you to test your home and workplace for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home, workplace or child care facility. If high radon levels are detected, you can take steps to fix it and protect yourself and your family.

Talk about change. Colorado’s early care and education system is undergoing major shifts, largely in response to new requirements at the state and federal levels. For starters, there are the new federal requirements in the reauthorized Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act. In addition, last year Colorado’s child care licensing regulations were updated and now are among the strongest in the nation. For the first time, child care health consultants in the state are required to take introductory training, and child care staff who work with infants must undergo annual training on safe sleep practices.

Spotlight

Take Care of Yourself: Reduce Your Stress

The holiday season often brings an abundance of excitement for young children who anticipate receiving new toys and games. The gift givers’ tasks aren’t accomplished by simply finding and buying the wish list items—attention also needs to also be paid on ensuring that gifts are age appropriate and pose no safety hazards.

Every week in the United States, nearly 11 million children younger than age five are in some type of child care arrangement. While all families with young children benefit from an awareness and knowledge of high-quality, affordable child care options that match their need for safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate care, children from economically challenged and diverse families benefit even more monumentally from a high-quality child care environment. There are, however, many barriers for low-income and otherwise vulnerable families accessing care including preventable barriers such as the lack of knowledge of early care options.