Changes Announced for DOH Staff Visits to Child Care Providers

The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will continue their collaboration regarding immunizations for children and staff at child care providers. However, there will be some changes this year regarding visits to providers and the reporting of each child’s immunization status.

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A letter from OCDEL to child care providers states that, beginning in July, DOH field nurses and local Municipality Department of Health field staff will visit randomly selected providers to offer immunization education and resource materials for staff and parents or caregivers. A review of child immunization records can be provided if requested by the child care provider. 

Providers will be able to ask questions and request specific educational resources from the field nurses and staff who visit their facilities. 

Additionally, the DOH will send out electronic surveys to all child care providers regarding the immunization status of every enrolled child at their facility. These surveys will serve as the mandatory reporting requirements for child care settings outlined in DOH regulations. The surveys are expected to be sent out later this summer.

Child care providers who are randomly scheduled for a visit should expect a phone call or email from DOH or the local municipality. Any questions or concerns should be addressed to the DOH’s Janine Strick at 717-878-5681.