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DCYF outlines child‑care health consultation reporting, immunization‑registry access and free lead testing option
Summary
DCYF staff described the state’s childcare health consultation reporting form, limited Immunization Information System access for licensed programs, and a free lead‑and‑copper water‑testing program available to child‑care providers.
State health and licensing staff used the Provider Supports Subcommittee meeting to explain current options for child‑care health consultation, how centers can access immunization records, and a free water lead‑and‑copper testing program.
Jennifer Halseth, DCYF health systems analyst, said DCYF maintains a childcare health consultation page where consultants submit monthly visit reports via a Microsoft form; the form collects visit period, sites served, infant rooms visited and topics covered but does not include identifiable clinical details about children. Halseth said she had received 31 monthly reports in a recent six‑week check and encouraged nurses and providers to use the reporting link so DCYF can better track statewide service coverage.
Halseth outlined the types of professionals commonly doing consultation (pediatric and school nurses, public‑health nurses) and said the agency provides an online training for consultants. She also said King County and Snohomish County maintain more robust public‑health‑supported consultation teams and resources; the King County registry is linked on DCYF’s page and is available for providers in that county.
On immunizations, Halseth described a November 2023 change that enabled a limited exchange to the Washington Immunization Information System (WAIIS) so licensed child‑care programs can request access to pull immunization records and to use a school‑module roster to streamline the WAC‑required annual immunization reporting. She cautioned that processing of new registry access applications was temporarily delayed because of reduced staffing at the Department of Health, and said centers should submit applications now so they are queued for processing when capacity returns.
Halseth also described a free water testing program (EPA‑funded) to test lead and copper levels at facility fixtures and said the Department of Health can advise on remediation for the small number of centers that test positive; she reported that of roughly 75 centers tested in the program, only a handful required fixture replacement or remediation after follow‑up testing.
Providers raised mixed experiences with consultant value and access. Halseth said the program’s intent is a partnership model and that DCYF can help connect centers to trained consultants and to county resources; she invited providers to contact her directly for assistance. She also said the immunization exchange and lead‑testing links and guidance will be posted and sent in agency communications.
Ending: Halseth asked providers to use the website links and the reporting form, to apply for WAIIS limited exchange access if they want roster/reporting functionality, and to contact DCYF for assistance identifying consultants or scheduling lead testing.
