Provider Newsletter: May 7, 2022

SUMMER’S ON THE WAY AND IT’S TIME TO TALK WATER

A lot goes into providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services around the clock. Behind the scenes, scientists, environmentalists, and water quality experts are working hard to make sure our customers have the high-quality water they need and expect.

Learning about water – where it comes from, how it is treated and delivered, and what is required to keep it flowing – is key to understanding the value of water and the expert level of service that American Water customers receive every day.

We invite you to download and use the Education Toolkit in classrooms, at community events or even in your own home. The toolkit consists of 12 lesson plans to help teach young people about the importance of water in their lives and how to conserve it for future generations.

Teachers and parents, we’ve developed a package of information just for you. It was created specifically for educating kids about water and what goes into its treatment and delivery. It’s educational and fun.

For example, Unit 1 includes the following:

Click here for: Printable Coloring Book: (English) (Spanish)

To see all the activity units available, please go to the original article published at: Water Curriculum & Kids Activities (amwater.com)


SUMMER IS COMING: WILL YOU BE SUN-KISSED OR SUN-BURNED?

Much of the population is familiar with the common sun protection methods, could your daily medications put you at risk for becoming sunburned instead of sun-kissed?  In Illinois, the cold, harsh winter season is quickly coming to a close, and the long-awaited sunshine is just around the corner. As the weather warms up, outdoor common spaces like parks, hiking trails, swimming pools, ballparks, and even a nice patio are sure to be flooded with familiar faces. As you shed that winter wear, should you be thinking about how your skin will react to its newfound freedom?

Yes! Some common daily medications may cause your skin to be more sensitive to the ultraviolet (UV) light produced by tanning beds and natural sunlight.  Some medications contain ingredients that, when exposed to sunlight, cause a chemical reaction to happen within the skin that can cause a sun burn-like reaction or rash. Unfortunately, like a traditional sunburn, it can also burn and itch. When you get down to the basics, there are two ways for this reaction to occur: you either experience a photoallergic reaction or a phototoxic reaction.

The types of medications that can cause a phototoxic reaction treat all different diseases and health conditions. Did you have a recent infection? Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Do you have high cholesterol, diabetes, or have issues with retaining water? What about over the counter pain killers? Many of these medications are common and can be found in several different forms (tablets, capsules, creams, ointments, etc), check out the list below and then check your medicine cabinet!  Of note, this list is not all-inclusive. Those underlined have the most common occurrence.

  • Cosmetic and topical medications: Alpha-hydroxy acids, the retinoids acitretin and isotretinoin
  • Antiarrhythmics (heart medication): amiodarone, amlodipine, nifedipine, quinidine
  • Antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, dapsone, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfapyridine, tetracycline, trimethoprim
  • Antifungals: flucytosine, griseofulvin, itraconazole, voriconazole
  • Antihistamines: cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, promethazine, cyproheptadine
  • Chemotherapeutic agents: capecitabine, dacarbazine, epirubicin, fluorouracil, flutamide, paclitaxel, tegafur, vinblastine
  • Cholesterol lowering drugs (“Statins”): simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin
  • Diabetes medications: glipizide, glyburide
  • Diuretics: acetazolamide, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, furosemide, triamterene
  • Mood stabilizers: citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, phenelzine, sertraline, venlafaxine
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (“NSAIDs”): ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, piroxicam, ketoprofen
  • Oral contraceptives and estrogens
  • Phenothiazines (tranquilizers, anti-emetics): chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine, prochloroperazine

Just because you take one of these medications, or even several of these at the same time, does not mean that you will definitely have a reaction if you go out in the sun. And thankfully, there are some strategies to help minimize the risk!

  • Limit exposure when the sun is performing at 100%:  The sun is at its strongest between 10am-4pm.  Consider an early morning or evening stroll instead. If you have to be out during the sunniest part of the day, stay hydrated and keep it shady, my friends.
  • Cover your skin:  Summer temperatures can be scorchers, but in order to keep your skin safe, wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats to limit sun exposure.
  • Apply liberally:  Use a broad sunscreen regularly and as directed. An SPF 15 is the minimum number needed to provide measurable protection; however, a sunscreen with an SPF value of 30 or higher is recommended.

If you do experience a reaction from the combination of taking a medication and being exposed to a form of sunlight you can always reach out to your friendly, neighborhood poison center expert at 1-800-222-1222.  We would recommend discussing any concerns with your doctor or pharmacist. While such a reaction may be due to a medication you absolutely have to continue due to other medical issues, there is a possibility the medication could be switched to something else. Most reactions will clear up shortly after stopping the medication. Other options include using a corticosteroid (topical or oral) or taking the medication at night when you can limit exposure to sunlight, rather than in the morning. Again, this should be a discussion with your doctor since some medications do have to be taken at a specific time of day. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, it may come down to avoiding sunlight all together if there are no other alternatives.

To sum it up, as we are nearing sunny times, it is best to be aware of the medications you are taking and the potential effects they may cause, like photosensitivity or sensitivity to sunlight. If you come across one of these medications, refer to these tips or ask a healthcare professional how to stay safe this upcoming season. May your skin be kissed!

By special guest blogger Cheyenne Beene, PharmD

To read this article in its entirety, go to: Summer is Coming: Will You be Sun-Kissed or Sun-Burned? (ipcblog.org)


THE LITTLEBEATS PROJECT

In the LittleBeats™ project we are interested in how children’s real world contexts support healthy development across the toddler and preschool years.

What is LittleBeats?

  • Developed at the University of Illinois, LittleBeats™ is a wearable device that records motion, heart rate, and audio for children as young as one month.
  • LittleBeats™ is attached by placing three gel stickers on your child’s skin, and the device fits inside of a specially designed shirt pocket.
  • LittleBeats™ is very safe, does not interfere with movement, and does not require any invasive procedures beyond the gel stickers being stuck to the skin.
  • From LittleBeats™ recordings, we will use a computer program to automatically detect your infant’s vocalizations, heart rhythms and physical movements.
  • In the future, we hope to use LittleBeats to detect developmental delays in children before they become clinically significant.

What does this project involve?

  • 60-minute Zoom visit with you and your child.
  • 3 days of LittleBeats™ recordings in your home, without researchers present.
    •  Recordings can be made on days most convenient for your family and can be completed over the course of two weeks.
  • 30-minute parent questionnaire completed online.
  • In appreciation of your time, your family will receive an Amazon gift card!

How can I learn more?

Please fill out the form below and our Project Coordinator will reach out to you. You can also find out more at our LittleBeats website.


WEBSITE RELOCATIONS AT INCCRRA

Please be aware that INCCRRA closed two websites at the end of April:

Please take a moment to check your local website connections to ensure you are being directed to the correct site.  All current information has been relocated.  Here are some of the most common sites you may be using and the new locations to link to moving forward.

For online child care search:

· ExcelerateIllinois used to live at this link: https://www.excelerateillinois.com/provider-search

· It will now live at this link: https://www.illinoiscaresforkids.org/provider-search/?zip=

As for QRS quality add-on for license-exempt home providers:

· This information used to live at: https://www.ilqualitycounts.org/qrs/license-exempt-family-homes

· It has moved to the Gateways website at: https://www.ilgateways.com/credentials/gateways-training-tiers

If you have saved these sites on your “favorites bar,” please be sure to update the location information for future use.


BRIGHT BY TEXT
Child Care Providers in Champaign County – Have you signed up for Bright by Text?  Please help us spread the word to the families in your programs. This is a free service that provides information on child development plus local events and resources to parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age 8 in Champaign County. Simply text CCKIDS to 274448. Families that sign up will receive text messages in English or Spanish that are specific to the age of their child and include local community resources targeted to their zip code.

ZOOM TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

Below are the trainings that we are offering through Zoom in May and June.

ECE Credential Level 1 Module 8a: Preschool Social and Emotional Development

Thursday, May 12, from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, 3.0 Training Hours     FREE

Presenter: Vicky Foster, ITN Trainer

As children approach preschool age, their needs begin to change. This is the first of four classes designed to better understand children as they approach school-age. You will identify characteristics of social and emotional development and learn techniques for promoting appropriate and effective discipline for preschool children.

Power of Words, Part 2 – Exploring Positive Guidance Strategies to Enhance and Deepen Caregiving Skills

Saturday, May 21, from 9:30 am – 11:30 am, 2.0 Training Hours     FREE

Presenter: Cathy Welsh, Baby TALK Coach

This training is an extension of the training titled, “Power of Words: Enhancing Positive Guidance & Caregiving with Young Children.” Positive guidance and caregiving are rooted deeply in relationships formed among children, families, primary caregivers, and peers.  Even during challenging moments of the day, positive guidance and caregiving influence each child’s development of well-being, belonging, exploration, and communication.  In this extended workshop, participants will dive deeper and practice applying strategies that will enhance their day-to-day guidance and caregiving with young children.

ECE Credential Level 1 Module 8b: Preschool Physical Development

Thursday, May 26, from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, 3.0 Training Hours     FREE

Presenter: Vicky Foster, ITN Trainer

As toddlers mature, their minds are not the only things growing at an incredible rate. You will understand the special areas of physical development in preschool-aged children. You also will learn about fine motor activities that will help preschoolers grow into their bodies while developing proper coordination and movement.

Understanding ACES: Why the Body Doesn’t Forget

Wednesday, June 1, from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm, 1.5 Training Hours     FREE

Presenter: Jill Duden, Prevention Specialist, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois

This training introduces attendees to the Adverse Childhood Experiences study that was done in the late 1990’s. Attendees will learn about how two doctors came to the findings of the study, and what they were able to conclude due to the study. This training will explore a deeper understanding of brain development, and what types of stress impact healthy brain development. Attendees will learn how adverse childhood experiences impact lifelong physical and mental health. The conclusion of this training will focus on resilience, and how building resilience can negate the negative impacts of adverse childhood experiences.

ECE Credential Level 1 Module 8c: Preschool Language Development

Thursday, June 9, from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, 3.0 Training Hours     FREE

Presenter: Vicky Foster, ITN Trainer

Appropriate speech patterns and language skills are crucial to nurturing effective communications by preschoolers. In this third class on preschool development, you will explore how to use a picture and storybooks to lay the foundation for good reading and proper language use. This class comes complete with discussion on how to help children with special needs.

ECE Credential Level 1 Module 8d: Preschool Cognitive Development

Thursday, June 23, from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, 3.0 Training Hours     FREE

Presenter: Vicky Foster, ITN Trainer

In this final session on preschool development, you will dive deeper into how preschoolers learn and identify tips for making learning fun. With suggestions for activities that encourage your preschoolers to explore numbers, shapes, colors, and science, this class gives all the information you need to grow and stretch the ability of children to think and understand.

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Please install the Zoom app on your device (cell phone, tablet, laptop, desktop) before the day of the training. Go to https://zoom.us/ to sign up. Prior to the meeting date, you will be emailed a link to join the meeting along with a Meeting ID and password. We do encourage you to join the meeting early so the facilitator can help you if you have any technical difficulties. You can also head to the Zoom website at support.zoom.us and watch video tutorials on how the app works.

Contact Jenny Garinger at garinger@illinois.edu or 217-333-7816 to register.

If you prefer to do trainings on your own schedule, remember the Gateways i-learning website is always available: https://courses.inccrra.org. These trainings are Gateways Registry-approved and cover a variety of child development and early childhood education topics. Trainings automatically appear on your Gateways Registry Professional Development Record (PDR), and they are FREE. Be sure to have your Gateways Registry online username and password to login.


TECHNOLOGY & YOUNG CHILDREN

Avoiding screens is nearly impossible, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois Early Learning has a new podcast, Too Much Tech: Screen Time and Families, in which Dr. Emma Mercier, associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, shares guidance and tips for families of young children in using technology at home. IEL also offers two graphic tip sheets on this topic, Tech Time for Infants and Toddlers and Tech Time for Young Children, as well as a Q&A, Screen Time and Young Children.


OUR OFFICE IS STILL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Please note, the CCRS OFFICE IS STILL CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. At this time, only University students and staff are permitted in the building.  Please, do not attempt to enter the building with the expectation of being able to enter our office. This will not happen. We are trying to determine how to open within University guidelines while keeping our visitors and staff safe.  We appreciate your continued patience.

To drop off forms, use the CCRS Drop Box located on the front door of Bevier Hall on Goodwin Avenue. The drop box inside Bevier Hall is closed; only staff and students are allowed inside buildings.

To contact staff, please call 217-333-3252 or 800-325-5516 or submit questions or forms through email at ccrs@illinois.edu or fax at 217-333-2147