As a reminder, here are a few resources for managing COVID-19:

• Excluding ill persons and close contacts -  Most current exclusion flow chart. Sample exposure notification letters can be  found on the Department of Health website under "Schools and Child Cares,"  then scroll down to “Toolkits and Templates”
• Testing and testing resources – for Snohomish County  https://www.snohd.org/testing
• Understanding the use of self-tests in child care and schools – The  DOH Self-testing guidance for schools and child care  has been updated to provide clarification on reporting processes for self-tests. Please see the new “Reporting” section in the guidance for details.
• CDC Quarantine and Isolation calculator  available online
• Current child care guidance -  from Washington State Department of Health. This guidance has been translated into 39 languages which can be found  on the DOH website under "Schools and Child Cares"
• Free at-home test kits – Say Yes! COVID TEST now available monthly. Each household can order twice per month, while supplies last. Visit  https://www.sayyescovidhometest.org/

Organic Gardening with Children

Because children naturally love to dig in dirt, planting a garden with them will be a big hit. Whether the garden is a space in the yard, a raised bed, or a pot on the porch, the plants in them need only dirt, sunlight, water and a little bit of care. Organic gardening simply means that the plants are grown without the use of any chemicals added along the way. Start with dirt that is free from pesticides and toxic metals, like lead. Any gardening center sells organic potting soil and compost for about the same cost as other types. Foods grown in organic gardens are nurtured only by the nutrients naturally found in the soil, the energy from the sun, and the gentle hands that help them along. They are perfect for little growing bodies and for the earth they live on as well.
 
There are many great articles about organic gardening with children on the internet. Here is one. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/teaching-kids-organic-gardening.htm

Supporting Children During Times of Tragedy

• Take time to ground yourself – Gather your own thoughts and feelings and reach out to your support network if needed. This will help you prepare to share your own feelings when engaging with a child.
• Talk with the child – Giving the child space to express their worries and concerns is the first step in helping them begin to cope with frightening events, and it will help them feel safe.  
• Keep it age-appropriate – It is okay to share your thoughts and feelings with the child in an age-appropriate manner. Being transparent about tough emotions will help to normalize and affirm big feelings surrounding traumatic events.
• Ask questions –Begin by asking the child what they have heard, what they are thinking, and how they are feeling. Listen to their point of view, allowing them to express their thoughts before you respond. Affirm their feelings and build on what they have shared to help provide an accurate picture.
• Correct misinformation – Listen for misperceptions and misinformation when the child is sharing and provide gentle correction without putting down their ideas. Guiding them with accurate information will help increase understanding and feelings of safety.
• Reinforce safety and security – Share what the communities and schools are doing to increase safety. Remind the child that you are there for them and provide comfort, safety, and support.
• Take news breaks – Children may be curious and want to stay informed by gathering information. It is important to help them process their feelings by talking to them about what they have seen or read. Set limits on the amount of time spent watching news or connecting online, as constant exposure can lead to heightened fear and anxiety.
• Monitor adult conversations – Be aware of the conversations you have that can be overheard by a child. If they hear something that they do not fully understand, they may fill in the gaps and this can create fear or uncertainty.