On June 18, 2022, eight participants from a child care center on Saipan participated in two-hour training sessions on the following required health and safety training topics: prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions and handling and storage of hazardous materials and appropriate disposal of bio-contaminants. The trainings were conducted by Evergreen Learning’s Quality Care Specialist, Maricar I. Pena, at the Evergreen Learning Training Center in Chalan Kanoa.
During the session on prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions, 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 hazardous materials and biological contaminants, 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 Development Fund (CCDF) Program child care providers 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 of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions and handling and storage of hazardous materials and appropriate disposal of bio-contaminants meet two out of the 12 required trainings.
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