FALL UPDATES OCTOBER 2014 All I can say is it’s been quite a year. We’ve all endured a boat load of changes and events that shook up our lives. As providers you had to become familiar with and implement the legislative changes for ensuring safe sleep for infants, increasing your training hours, adding the additional training to your list of things to do, etc. The licensors had to endure those same changes. And on top of that, three long time licensors retired which means we all have to train their replacements. I keep trying to remind myself that change is good. And it is. Right? Here’s the list of staff in the licensing unit:  Kim Brimmer, Clerk 651-266-3781  Jotee Camadaa, Licensor 651-266-3775  Yasmine Campos, Licensor 651-266-3772 NOTE: she starts 10-29-14, Florence’s caseload  Kristin Erickson, Licensor 651-238-3429  Jenny Mateer, Supervisor 651-266-4080  Becky Ouimet-Lewis, Licensor 651-238-4710  Renay Strenger, Intake Licensor 651-266-4166  Gary Teachout, Licensor 651-266-3778  Sean Vang, Licensor 651-341-2793  Yia Yang, Licensor 651-266-3771 For a while this summer I was reviewing all of the returned renewal packets. I found a pattern of things that people weren’t doing, so here’s a reminder: have all parties thoroughly complete the background study form – including the little check box about where you’ve lived for the past 5 years. Don’t forget to get the application notarized. Thoroughly complete the enrollment form. And, don’t forget to complete the insurance and worker’s compensation forms. Background studies have been holding up the renewal processes. Let me explain why that has happened and what we did to improve or eliminate the problem. When conducting background studies, our staff access Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) information to review records ‘…to determine whether a subject is disqualified from direct contact with persons served by a program…’. Our staff noticed that many of our applicants or their household members were being required to get their fingerprints taken. So, we talked with the Licensing Division at the Minnesota Department of Human Services who talked to their BCA folks, only to discover a button had been pressed that changed the results counties were getting – more requests for fingerprints. After much discussion the button, yep a button was pushed again which means we are seeing a huge reduction in the need to request fingerprints. I apologize for the delays, but hopefully we can get back on track again. Do you need some good news? We’ve got a full component of licensors again! Things will feel different for those of you who are getting a new licensor. It will seem like they are doing things differently than the previous worker. They are applying the same rules, maybe just giving the message differently. Or, in some cases, they might be reminding you of your responsibility to know and follow the rules. Something you all will experience is that we are relying on you to access our website, or the DHS website, to acquire required forms, etc. Here’s a link to our website: http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/hs/childcare/Providers.htm. As a unit we review the licensing checklist and all agree on how to apply the rule. Our goal is consistency in application of the rules. Our next READY FOR RENEWAL training will be in December. I encourage all of you to attend. Not only is the information valuable to newer licensed family child care providers, but it is just as important for those of you who have been licensed for 5+ years. You may think you know all there is to know about being a licensed provider, but I guarantee you will learn something new. Watch the website for more information about the training. Attendees of the Annual Provider Banquet We heard and saw a brief presentation about the Ramsey County Prosperity Efforts. One of the main points Ryan O’Connor, Director of Policy Analysis in the County Managers office, made was how you as child care providers are very important in the lives of young children. The more education a child has the more likely they are to not live in poverty. So keep teaching those children. Here’s a link to more information about the Prosperity Efforts. http://rcprosperity.org/ Cribs In December 2012 we sent all licensed providers forms that documented the cribs in the home met the federal standards. If you do not have those forms in your records, or if you have purchased a new crib in the last year or so, go to the county website page to get a copy of the required form. Make sure you have sufficient documentation to prove the crib(s) meet the federal standards. Don’t remember what the standards are? Here’s a link: http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2011/06/the-new-crib-standard-questions-and-answers/ to read about those standards. If you want a copy of the form, check out our web site at http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/hs/childcare/Providers.htm for the Ramsey County form. Pumpkin Krispies Treats: Ingredients: • • • • • • • 3 Tbsp. butter 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract red & yellow food coloring or orange gel coloring 5-1/2 cups mini marshmallows 6 cups crispy rice cereal mini tootsie rolls candy for decorations, M&M's, candy corn, etc. Directions: 1. In a large saucepan, melt and slightly brown butter on medium heat. Add vanilla extract and marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted. Add food coloring until desired orange color is reached. Add cereal and stir until completely combined. Turn off heat and let sit for a few minutes, until cool enough to handle. 2. When mixture has cooled enough, spray your hands with cooking spray and mold cereal mix into circles. (I made nine medium sized pumpkins). Unwrap a tootsie roll and press into each pumpkin top. Add candy for the eyes and noses (we used a little frosting to adhere). Eat and enjoy. Thank goodness for Pinterest! Jenny Mateer, supervisor