ECELS - Healthy Child Care PA

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! Today we want to share our gratitude for child care providers. Thank you for giving children a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where they can learn, play and grow!

11/18/2025

Did you know that November is Epilepsy Awareness Month? 470,000 children in the US are living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. This , join us in shining a light on epilepsy by raising awareness. Visit www.EFEPA.org to learn more.

11/14/2025

Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula, November 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a Health Alert Network announcement regarding an Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula. https://www.pakeys.org/health-alert-network-announcement-infant-botulism-outbreak-linked-to-infant-forumula/

On November 11, 2025, ByHeart, Inc. recalled all lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) ongoing investigation into a recent outbreak of infant botulism.

According to the company’s website, ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula was sold through its website, ByHeart.com, as well as through retail stores nationwide, including Amazon, Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, Target, Sam's Club, and others.

Infant botulism is a reportable disease in PA; all suspected cases must be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or their local health department. For additional details, please see the Health Alert Network announcement, Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula.


For more information:

What should I know about recalled baby formula? - Healthy Children: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/What-should-I-know-about-the-infant-formula-recall.aspx
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks-investigations/infant-formula-nov-2025/index.html
Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/infant-botulism

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a Health Alert Network announcement, Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Infant Formula.

11/14/2025

Today is - Did you know there is a rising diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children under five, with 15-20% of new diagnoses occurring in this age group? It’s important for caregivers to recognize the signs and support healthy habits early. The has great resources for ECE staff and tips for managing diabetes in the child care setting: https://diabetes.org/advocacy/safe-at-school-state-laws/tips-child-care-setting

11/06/2025

Thanksgiving is a great time for getting together with family and friends! Children under the age of 5 fall into the high-risk population for developing serious flu symptoms. Schedule a flu vaccine
appointment to help protect your loved ones and avoid missing out on the fun!

11/01/2025

Promoting good oral health is a great practice to begin at a young age to understand the importance of oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day removes plaque and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween! 👻🕷️ If you are celebrating your little one's first, second, or third this year, it is important to know how to make the night safe and fun for even the tiniest monsters! Here are 8 tips to consider:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Easing-Infants-Toddlers-into-Halloween-Fun.aspx

​If you are celebrating your little one's first, second, or third Halloween this year, it is important to know how to make the night safe and fun for even the tiniest monsters!​

10/22/2025

Almost all children get infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at least once before they are 2 years old. For most healthy children, RSV is like a cold. But some children get very sick with RSV.

For more information on RSV, visit HealthyChildren.org or read the article below:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold.aspx

10/13/2025

DYK? Placing babies on their back to sleep reduces the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Learn more about safe infant sleep and spread the word in fun ways during : https://go.nih.gov/O2OrIr7.

10/07/2025

The flu vaccine is safe and effective. Getting vaccinated against the flu helps lower your chance of getting seriously ill and can decrease your chance of being hospitalized from flu. To protect yourself and the people you love, make sure you get this year’s flu vaccination.

10/03/2025

During Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, join Safe to Sleep® and its partners in spreading the word about for babies. Use our digital toolkit to find resources and learn about activities, like the Challenge. Visit https://go.nih.gov/O2OrIr7.

09/25/2025

Tips by TIPP for ! For more information and helpful resources, visit https://pakidstravelsafe.org/🚗🚘