November 10 Child Care Provider Updates RSV: What You Need to Know You may have recently read there is an increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity in Wisconsin and elsewhere. RSV is a common cause of respiratory tract infection. It is not unusual to see an increase in RSV between October and December. RSV most usually looks like the common cold, even in infants and toddlers. Almost all have had a case of RSV by age 2, whether they knew it or not. People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection can include: Runny nose Decrease in appetite Coughing Sneezing Fever Wheezing Sore Throat These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties. The primary reason RSV can cause concern is that it can — but does not always — cause more severe symptoms in some infants and toddlers, that can require medical care and even hospitalization. Even so, less than 5 percent of children with RSV in this age group require hospital care. RSV is a (but not the only) cause of bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age. Nebulizers used to be prescribed for almost all young children, but are now only used rarely as they were not helpful in most. Healthy adults and infants infected with RSV do not usually need to be hospitalized. But some people with RSV infection, especially older adults and infants younger than 6 months of age, may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated. The most severe cases may require admission to an intensive care unit. In most of these cases, hospitalization only lasts a few days. Again, these are uncommon situations. Children with RSV may return to child care once concerning symptoms have resolved, temperature has returned to normal, the child can participate in child care activities if the child’s care does not result in more care than staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children. During an outbreak of RSV in a child care setting, most children and staff will be exposed before the occurrence of specific symptoms. Most viral respiratory tract illnesses, including RSV infections, are self-limited and go undiagnosed. Given that RSV is very common and most often a mild illness, specific testing for it is not recommended unless deemed necessary by a health care professional. Transmission of virus occurs through close contact with respiratory tract secretions. Infants with chronic heart and lung problems and immunocompromised children may be at high risk for complications. Parents/guardians of such children should be alerted that a child with RSV has been diagnosed in their group. Limiting the spread of RSV by using good hand hygiene practices, prohibiting sharing of food, bottles, toothbrushes, or toys, and disinfecting surfaces will be important to reducing the risk of RSV transmission in such situations. RSV is not a reportable communicable disease under ch. DHS 145. If you have questions, contact your local public health department. Additional Resources about RSV DHS RSV Caring for our Children CDC org (AAP) November Child Care Counts Update/Application Week is November 21-29 The next Child Care Counts Update/Application week has been extended and will be open from November 21-29. This extended Update Week is for the November application only. Organize your records now so you are ready for update/application week. You must review, update, and resubmit your application every month. See the Child Care Counts Calendar for future Count and Application Weeks. Applications for the October Child Care Counts: Stabilization Payment Program are being reviewed. Providers will be notified of their eligibility for funds by November 18, 2022, via a payment letter uploaded to the Child Care Provider Portal. Spending Deadline Reminder All Stabilization Payment Program funds must be spent within 120 days from the date of the payment letter. See the Use of Funds section of the Frequently Asked Questions for more information. June 2022 funds must be spent by November 12, 2022. July 2022 funds must be spent by December 17, 2022. If you need assistance, please email DCFDECECOVID19CCPayments@wisconsin.gov or call and leave your detailed questions at 608-535-3650. Child Care Counts Información en español. DCF is Hiring Three Positions The Division of Early Care and Education, Bureau of Early Care Regulation is hiring a Child Care Licensing Section Manager in their northern region. This position is a professional supervisory position responsible for providing management, supervision, coordination, and leadership in the implementation of regulatory activities and quality assurance of regulated childcare programs. This position is responsible for overseeing the licensing and monitoring of family and group childcare programs, day camps and license-exempt public-school programs in Wisconsin’s northern counties.This position is headquartered in Rhinelander, WI and will have the option of working remotely up to 90 percent. The deadline to apply for this position is today – November 10, 2022. The Division of Early Care and Education, Bureau of Early Care Regulation, is hiring a Licensing/Certification Specialist position in their northern region. This position evaluates, licenses and monitors assigned child care programs (family child care, group child care, day camps) through in-person on-site visits to determine compliance with regulations established by the Department of Children and Families in order to protect and promote the health, safety and welfare of the children being served. This position is headquartered at our 2187 N. Stevens Street, Rhinelander, WI The deadline to apply for this position is November 15, 2022. The Division of Early Care and Education, Bureau of Early Care Regulation, is hiring an Office Manager in their southeastern region. This position is responsible for the administrative operation of the regional/district office and includes supervision of program support staff. This position is headquartered at our 141 N.W. Barstow Street, Waukesha, WI location and will have the option of working remote 90 percent of the time. The deadline to apply for this position is November 23, 2022. View all open DCF positions at Wisc.Jobs.
