WFIS News
Updates on our Legislative, Policy and Committee work
IMPORTANT Immunization Information: Changes with Annual Reporting and Immunization Requirements
Schools' Immunization Status Reporting: New Reporting Method All public and private schools, and licensed preschools and child care facilities must report the immunization status of students by Nov. 1 each year per state law (WAC 246-105-060). The method of reporting...
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“Connected” Schools Have Lower Rates of Suicide Attempts
Rates of suicide attempts are lower in high schools where students have better connections to their peers and stronger relationships with adult staff, according to a new study. The study surveyed 10,291 students from 38 high schools to determine social...
read moreWhat Happens If You Don’t Get the MMR Vaccine?
from KUOW September 5, 2019 Seattle Kids Without Measles Vaccine or Paperwork Will Be Excluded From School When Tracy Bennett, the head of Seattle Waldorf School, got word last spring that the state would make it a lot harder to forgo the measles, mumps,...
read moreUpdate: Child Care Professional Development Equivalencies Process with DCYF
Read the report produced by the Equivalencies Workgroup, along with a response letter from Secretary Hunter and a process document outlining DCYF’s plan for experience-based competency demonstration. DCYF will continue to provide updates regarding...
read moreFree MMR Vaccine Now Available for Child Care Workers
The Department of Health is collaborating with Safeway Inc. and Albertsons Companies LLC and with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to offer free measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination for uninsured child care workers and volunteers. As of July...
read moreOSPI Clock Hour Provider Application DEADLINE Aug 20!
If your school would like to remain as a Washington State Approved Clock Hour Provider for 2019-2020, the applications are due by August 20, 2019. Use this link to apply: 2019-2020 Clock Hour Approval Application . SCHOOLS with MULTIPLE CAMPUSESIf you...
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Early Education for Children 0-6 years old
Washington State is making changes quickly: Private Schools are concerned WFIS continues to support an increase in excellent preschool options for all families wanting or needing care for their children. However, the new state regulations are forcing some...
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Annual Safety Checklist by Andrew Rauch, School Safety and Student Well-Being Advisor for WFIS
In thinking about the important role of each School Safety Contact, WFIS asked Andrew Rauch, Facilities Director for Two Schools, to share advice and a brief check-list of things he has found useful & important when preparing for the start of the new...
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Guidance on Cleaning Weight Room & Athletic Equipment
Maintenance and cleaning are a focus in August as schools get ready for students. One school reached out to "Ask Nancy" for advice on cleaning of the weight room and athletic equipment. Question:Is there a policy schools should establish on cleaning the...
read moreHow Private Schools Are Implementing the new MMR Vaccination requirement
From Rules to Communication and Record Tracking to Exemptions The new law went into effect on July 28 and applies to all public and private schools as well as licensed childcare centers. Here is what private schools need to know:Schools need to email or...
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