Child Care of the Berkshires - CLPPP

CCB-CLPPP has an upcoming event on 22 July with the NBCC at the Uno Center!

During the summer, when we're all spending more time outside, it's good to think of the different sorts of hazards to which our children may be exposed:

https://theconversation.com/epa-has-lowered-the-screening-level-for-lead-in-soil-heres-what-that-could-mean-for-households-across-the-us-224609

As always, Mass.gov offers helpful tips on soil-safety:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/sources-of-lead-besides-lead-paint

Have fun, and be safe out there!

Sources of lead besides lead paint The main source of lead exposure for children is lead paint, but lead can be found in other places too. Learn more about other sources of lead.

Are you worried about how to feed your children this summer?

See below for a list of where breakfast, lunch, and snacks are available for children in Berkshire County:

Kids Eat Free This Summer – List Dated 6/18/24
Free Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks for Kids 18 and Under

Adams
Dates: July 1 – August 16
Closed July 4 & 5
Location: Hoosac Valley Elementary School, 14 Commercial Street, Adams
Days: Mondays – Fridays
Times: Breakfast: 8:15am – 9:15am
Lunch: 11:15am – 12:15pm

North Adams
Dates: June 25 – August 16
Closed July 4

Location: Mohawk Forest Apartments
Days: Tuesdays & Fridays
Times: Bagged Breakfast & Lunch, 11:00am – 11:30am
Bagged meals can be taken and consumed anywhere

Location: Greylock Valley Apartments
Days: Tuesdays & Fridays
Times: Bagged Breakfast & Lunch, 12Noon – 12:30pm
Bagged meals can be taken and consumed anywhere.

Location: Colegrove Elementary
Days: Tuesdays & Fridays
Times: Bagged Breakfast & Lunch, 11:30am – 12Noon
Bagged meals can be taken and consumed anywhere

Location: North Adams Splash Park
Days: Mondays – Fridays
Times: Bagged Breakfast & Lunch, 12:30pm – 1:00pm
Bagged meals can be taken and consumed anywhere

Location: Greylock Elementary School
Days: Mondays – Fridays
Times: Lunch only, 11:30am – 12Noon
To be eaten on-site each day


Pittsfield
Location: Christian Center, 193 Robbins Avenue, Pittsfield
Dates: July 8 – August 28
Days: Mondays – Fridays
Times: Continental Breakfast: 8:30am – 10:30am
Lunch: 12Noon – 1:00pm

Location: Conte Community School, 200 W Union Street, Pittsfield
Dates: June 24 – August 23 (closed on July 4)
Days: Mondays - Fridays
Times: Breakfast: 8:30am – 9:00am
Lunch: 12:15pm – 12:45pm

Location: Morningside Community School, 100 Burbank Street, Pittsfield
Dates: June 24 – August 23 (closed on July 4)
Days: Mondays - Fridays
Times: Breakfast: 8:30am – 9:00am
Lunch: 12:15pm – 12:45pm

Location: Dower Square, 253 Wahconah Street, Pittsfield
Dates: June 24 – August 23 (closed on July 4)
Days: Mondays - Fridays
Times: Lunch Only: 12Noon – 12:30pm

Location: Berkshire Peak Apartments, 341 West Street, Pittsfield
Dates: June 24 – August 23 (closed on July 4)
Days: Mondays - Fridays
Times: Lunch Only: 12Noon – 12:30pm

Location: Brattle Brook Village, April Lane, Pittsfield
Dates: June 24 – August 23 (closed on July 4)
Days: Mondays - Fridays
Times: Lunch Only: 1:00pm – 1:30pm

Location: Pittsfield Farmers’ Market, 100 First Street, Pittsfield
Dates: June 22 – August 24
Days: Saturdays Only
Times: Breakfast: 9:00am – 10:30am
Lunch: 11:30am – 1:00pm

Location: Durant Park, 30 John Street, Pittsfield
Dates: July 8 – August 16
Days: Mondays - Fridays
Times: Lunch: 12Noon – 12:30pm
Snack: 1:30pm – 1:45pm

Location: The Common, 100 First Street, Pittsfield
Dates: July 8 – August 16
Days: Mondays - Fridays
Times: Lunch: 12Noon – 12:30pm
Snack: 1:30pm – 1:45pm

Location: Clapp Park, 233 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield
Dates: July 8 – August 16
Days: Mondays - Fridays
Times: Lunch: 12Noon – 12:30pm
Snack: 1:30pm – 1:45pm

Southern Berkshire Regional School District

Location: Undermountain Elementary School, 491 Berkshire School Road, Sheffield
Dates: July 1 - August 1
Closed on July 4
Days: Mondays - Thursdays
Times: Breakfast: 8:15am - 8:45am - This is a grab-and-go meal service
Lunch: 11:15am - 11:45am - This is a grab-and-go meal service

To pick up a meal for your child, either email [email protected] to order ahead or just show up at the scheduled meal service.

Do you remember drinking from the garden hose in summer? Do you know that doing so could expose your child to lead?

https://www.clevelandwater.com/who-we-are/news/why-you-shouldnt-drink-water-garden-hose-and-when-you-can

Think before you let them drink, and stay safe out there!

Why You Shouldn't Drink Water from a Garden Hose (and When You Can) | Cleveland Water Department Why You Shouldn't Drink Water from a Garden Hose (and When You Can) May 8, 2023 Taking a drink of water from a garden hose on a hot summer day may be a fond childhood memory. But in reality, most outdoor faucets and garden hoses, especially those made prior to 2014, are not meant to be used for drin...

We have another lead-based safety-recall of which to be aware:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Dixon-Ticonderoga-Recalls-Creativity-Street-Foam-Pattern-Rollers-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Lead-Content-Ban?utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=20240503

Stay safe out there!

Dixon Ticonderoga Recalls Creativity Street Foam Pattern Rollers Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled foam pattern rollers and take them away from children. Contact Dixon Ticonderoga to receive a pre-paid label to return the recalled product. When the foam pattern rollers are received, consumers will receive a full refund. All known purchasers are...

Safe Neighborhoods: Bike Safety Event
Saturday, 4/27, from 12-3 pm
NAPD will be giving out FREE bike helmets (all ages). There will be hot dogs & chips, an opportunity to tune up your bike and raffles. Free and open to all!

Wild Oats Market names Child Care of the Berkshires April 2024 Every Penny Counts Recipient nonprofit that supports early literacy programming, including home visiting, parent education workshops, Story Walks and parent child groups. These programs help empower parents as their children’s first teachers so they can prepare their children for school and life success.

wildoats.coop/news/every-penny-counts/child-care-of-the-berkshires

With numerous recalls related to lead over the past year, CLPPP has helpfully created a webpage consolidating just those products:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recent-lead-related-recalls

Be aware, and stay safe out there!

Recent lead related recalls Recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission

This is another recall of which to be aware:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Fossil-Group-Recalls-Bracelet-Sold-with-Skechers-Jewelry-Gift-Sets-Due-to-High-Levels-of-Lead-and-Cadmium
Remember, it's not just what we buy for our children- what we ue and wear can also expose the to lead!

Stay safe out there!

Fossil Group Recalls Bracelet Sold with Skechers Jewelry Gift Sets Due to High Levels of Lead and Cadmium Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bracelet in the gift set, dispose of it in the trash and contact the website or store where purchased for a full refund of the gift set’s purchase price.

There is a larger recall on cinnamon products, related to the October WanaBana recall:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/06/health/ground-cinnamon-lead-fda/index.html

Be aware, and stay safe out there!

FDA warns consumers to stop using six brands of ground cinnamon found to have high levels of lead | CNN The US Food and Drug Administration has expanded its investigation into tainted cinnamon products, and its experts now say that the lead contamination extends beyond the cinnamon applesauce pouches that were recalled in October.

Another lead-paint based recall:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Sandford-Family-Croquet-Sets-Recalled-Due-to-Violations-of-the-Federal-Lead-Paint-and-Phthalates-Bans-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-by-DOM-Sports?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Stay safe out there!

Sandford Family Croquet Sets Recalled Due to Violations of the Federal Lead Paint and Phthalates Bans; Sold Exclusively on Amazon by DOM Sports Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled family croquet sets, and contact DOM Sports for information on how to email a photo of the recalled product being disposed of to [email protected] to receive the free replacement parts. DOM Sports and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers...

We have another lead-based recall:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Yaomiao-Childrens-Rhinestone-Silver-Tiaras-Recalled-Due-to-Violation-of-Federal-Lead-Content-Ban-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon-com-by-LordRoadS?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Amazon is reaching out to affected customers, but be aware, and sty safe out there!

Yaomiao Children’s Rhinestone Silver Tiaras Recalled Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban; Sold Exclusively on Amazon.com by LordRoadS Consumers should immediately take the recalled tiaras away from children, stop using them and contact LordRoadS for a refund. LordRoadS and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers.

Berkshire Baby Bonanza 2024 has been announced!

Concerns about lead pipes have been making headlines again:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/12/02/lead-exposure-poisoning-health-consequences/71764877007/

This is the EPA's guide on how to easily identify lead service lines:

https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead-0

And here is where you can enter information about your water service line for your water utility:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/f9ee39b7972f443ca63e8b936cd7f92b

Stay safe out there!

Smartsheet Forms

The FDA is advising parents and caregivers not to buy or feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to children because the product may contain elevated levels of lead.

WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally in the U.S. and are available through multiple retailers including Sam’s Club, Amazon and Dollar Tree.

For more information about the advisory visit:

Safety Alert: WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches The FDA is advising parents and caregivers not to buy or feed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to children because the product may contain elevated levels of lead.

On October 4, 2023, Gov. Healey signed new tax credits into law. Included in this was an increase in the state lead paint tax credit which has increased from $1,500 to $3,000 for a Letter of Compliance, and from $500 to $1,000 for a Letter of Interim Control. Find out more about financial assistance for deleading:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-financial-assistance-for-deleading

Learn about financial assistance for deleading Deleading can be expensive. These programs give financial help to property owners who qualify.

The Massachusetts Lead Law applies to both owners and tenants. Know your rights! Learn more about the law and how it applies to you: https://www.mass.gov/the-massachusetts-lead-law

The Massachusetts Lead Law Learn about the law that helps protect children and families from lead hazards.

Home built before 1978? Learn about your home’s lead history. If your home has been inspected for lead paint, you may find its history and documents online. Find out more here:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-your-homes-lead-history

Find Your Home’s Lead History The Massachusetts Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) records the lead history of homes and daycares built before 1978. The public can access a property’s lead history and some inspectional documents including reports and Letters of Compliance through Lead Safe Homes. The resources...

The only way to know if your child is sick from lead is to get them tested. There are no safe levels of lead! Find out more here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-childhood-lead-poisoning

Learn about childhood lead poisoning Get the facts about childhood lead poisoning symptoms and exposure risks.

All Massachusetts children must be tested for lead at 9-12 months, at 2 and 3, and also at 4 if living in a high-risk community. Find out more here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-childhood-lead-poisoning

Learn about childhood lead poisoning Get the facts about childhood lead poisoning symptoms and exposure risks.

From the Commonwealth, please take the time to take the health equity survey:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/take-the-community-health-equity-survey

Help Boston to know what is going that matters in our communities!

Take the Community Health Equity Survey A healthier community starts with your voice.

From the Consumer Product Safety Commission, another lead-related safety recall:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/H-M-Recalls-Mens-Clasp-Beaded-Bracelets-Due-to-Lead-Poisoning-Hazard-High-Levels-of-Lead-Content?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Stay safe out there!

H&M Recalls Men’s Clasp Beaded Bracelets Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard; High Levels of Lead Content Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled men’s clasp beaded bracelet and contact H&M to return the product in a prepaid mailer for a full refund.

FREE car seat safety checks!
In Honor of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Northern Berkshire EMS will be holding several car seat events September, 17-23, 2023.
If your seat does not pass inspection or needs an upgrade, we can help. Don’t have a seat? We have some available for eligible families!
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! PLEASE CALL 413-662-8034 to schedule.
NORTHERN BERKSHIRE EMS, 10 HARRIS ST., NORTH ADAMS, MA

Sunday, September 17, noon - 3pm
Monday, September 18, 9am – noon
Tuesday, September 19, 3pm-5pm
Wednesday, September 20, 4pm-7pm
Thursday, September 21, 9am-noon
ADAMS AMBULANCE, 185 COLUMBIA ST., ADAMS, MA
Saturday, September 23, 9am -noon
ALL EVENTS ARE IN BAYS, SO RAIN OR SHINE 😊

Just a gentle reminder of sources of lead other than paint:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/stanford-research-exposes-toxic-lead-used-to-enhance-color-of-turmeric/ar-AA1gGnhO?rc=1&ocid=winp1taskbar&cvid=be38c42d6bf34290a138830254a74350&ei=6

CLPPP offers a nice fact-sheet overview of alternative sources, too:

https://www.mass.gov/doc/where-does-lead-come-from-fact-sheet-2015-english/download

https://www.mass.gov/doc/where-does-lead-come-from-fact-sheet-2015-spanish/download

Be safe out there!

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The Alliance for Digital Equity has survey out for residents in Western Mass:

https://sites.google.com/view/alliancefordigitalequity/get-involved/inform-state-plan?authuser=0&pli=1

The plan coming out of this survey will help secure funding for resources like improved Internet access and internet-enabled devices for those who cannot otherwise access them.

Take a moment if you can!

📢 Calling all families of Child Care of the Berkshires! 📢

Your input is the key to shaping the future of our organization! 🌟 We invite you to participate in our Strategic Planning Survey to make your voice heard and be an active part of the decision-making process.

🔍 At Child Care of the Berkshires, we are committed to providing the best possible services and support to you and your children. Your valuable feedback will directly influence our strategic plan, guiding us in setting meaningful goals and priorities that align with our mission: to strengthen families through high-quality child care, education, support services, and advocacy.

💡 We want to hear from YOU! Share your insights, ideas, and needs to help us make informed decisions about program enhancements, accessibility, inclusivity, and more. Your thoughts matter greatly as we strive to meet the evolving needs of our community.

👉 Don't miss this opportunity to have a say in the future of our organization! Take the survey now and be a part of creating a brighter tomorrow for all families in Berkshire County.

📋 Survey Link: https://forms.gle/Kd9Ja4j9SgrGn5fo7

Thank you for being an essential part of our mission. Together, we can build a stronger and more supportive community for all families. 🤝

The state has released our latest lead screening reports!

Have a look, and see how your city or town compares with others across the commonwealth:

dphanalytics.hhs.mass.gov

With summer weather upon us, think about lead safety outside:

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/sources-of-lead-besides-lead-paint

Old building sites, the lead from leaded gas, and other sources can leave behind hazards in soil. Stay aware, and lead-safe!

Sources of lead besides lead paint The main source of lead exposure for children is lead paint, but lead can be found in other places too. Learn more about other sources of lead.

This is a timely reminder of the unexpected places lead can crop up! Be cautious when ordering products online:

Dangerous cookware still for sale despite warnings from King County health experts A KING 5 investigation reveals imported cookware with dangerous lead for sale on Amazon and other online marketplaces.