Last Saturday, November 12, 2022, seven child care providers from two centers in Saipan attended two sessions on the required health & safety training topics, (a) Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions and (b) Handling and storage of hazardous materials, and appropriate disposal of bio-contaminants. Both sessions were held at the Evergreen Learning Training Center, Chalan Kanoa, and conducted by Evergreen Learning’s Quality Care Specialist, Maricar I. Pena.
These trainings are made possible through funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care, CNMI CCDF program under the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
During the session on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Including Immunization, participants explored how infectious diseases are spread, handwashing policies and procedures for children and staff, and the differences between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.
While attending the afternoon session on Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials, and Appropriate Disposal of Bio-Contaminants, participants were able to identify hazards in the child care environment, explore why young children are vulnerable to these dangers, and the strategies for properly handling and storing hazardous materials.
The Child Care Reauthorization Act of 2014 requires that all child care providers funded by the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Program must complete preservice training requirements in 12 health and safety topic areas before they are allowed to be left alone to supervise young children. The topics of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Including Immunization and Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials, and Appropriate Disposal of Bio-Contaminants meet two out of the 12 required training.
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