DEL News

December 13, 2007

Resources for parents and child care providers in the wake of recent storms

OLYMPIA – The recent storms produced heavy rains, flooding, landslides, high winds and major road closures and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, public utilities, public facilities, and infrastructure in many parts of our state. As many of Washington’s communities move from responding to recovery, the Department of Early Learning (DEL) wants to ensure parents, child care providers and the citizens of Washington are aware of some resources.

If you are a parent seeking child care, please contact your local child care resource and referral program for a list of licensed child care in your community: http://www.childcarenet.org/. You can also contact your local DEL office if you have any questions or concerns regarding licensed child care as well.

If you are a child care provider who has had damage, flooding, failed septic, water issues or power outages due to the storm, please contact your DEL licensor. Child care regulations require providers to report damage to their facilities, and your licensor can assist you in your work to safeguard the health of the children in your care.

For more information on the recovery efforts in your community, where to report storm damages, and information about health concerns when returning home please visit the Washington State Emergency Management Division Web site: http://emd.wa.gov/. For information on health issues related to the storm and returning home, contact your local health jurisdiction.

For information on the Department of Health and Social Services disaster food stamp program, click here. For information about disaster unemployment benefits, click here.

For more information:

DEL Communications Manager Amy Blondin
360.725.4919 (office)
360.878.0628 (cell)
amy.blondin@del.wa.gov