You may have noticed news about increased rates of sickness among young children.  In particular, there have been increased rates for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu) and COVID-19, as COVID-19 prevention efforts have shifted away from using masks and many people are spending more time in settings with more people than they had over the last couple of years. This has left us with increased rates of illness and hospitalization among young children. Child care programs are experts in disease prevention and have led the way in implementing disinfection and handwashing and monitoring children for illness.  It is more important than ever to continue efforts to reduce transmission of illness in child care settings.  

Introduction 

Child Care Aware® of America launched the Enhancing Preparedness and Response Capabilities for Early Learning Providers, Families, and Children project in 2019 to assist a group of Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies within a 10-state Midwest area with increasing the likelihood that  child care providers, families, communities, and the CCR&Rs themselves are better prepared for disasters. This project, which concluded in 2021, was the second phase of a larger initiative that began in 2016.  Through this multi-year work, CCR&Rs strengthen their ability to serve as resilience hubs that reduce, and possibly prevent, the suffering of people affected by disasters—especially those most vulnerable. This work, focused on both the local and state level, has amplified the voice of child care and the strength of CCR&R agencies who are building local resilience, relationships, and expertise before, during, and long after a disaster occurs.  

It’s officially summer! And with all the fun activities that this season offers, it’s also a time to focus on safety and preparedness.

The White House has announced for the first time in over 50 years, it will host a Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health this September. The White House is seeking input to shape their anti-hunger plan from a broad, diverse group of stakeholders whose communities are affected by hunger. Your input is needed to shape the nation’s strategy for addressing hunger. Read more below on how you can weigh in on the impacts of hunger and child care to shape the priorities announced at upcoming conference.