Services Offered to Schools & Childcare
Many of the services listed below utilize programs throughout Whitman County Public Health. To help you connect quickly with services and serve as one main contact to our organization, our Whitman County Public Health Schools & Childcare Resource Navigator with work closely with your organization.
Need your health policy reviewed?
Our team can help review your plan and sign-off on the final document.
Disease Prevention & Control
Our team can provide you with information over the phone or visit the child care to help prevent the spread of illness in your child care, your families, and the community. Our staff will answer questions you have about excluding children, symptoms to watch for, and prevention measures to take.
Childcare providers must call Whitman County Public Health in the event of any reportable illnesses at their childcare facility.
Immunizations
Our team can help answer questions regarding the Certificate of Immunization Status form, the Certificate of Exemption, and the Annual Status report.
Additionally, children can access low-cost immunizations through our Whitman County Community Clinic.
Medication Management
Having clear medication administration policies and procedures is important for preventing medication errors. Our team gives you tips on how to improve and ensure the safe administration of medications.
Cleaning, Sanitizing, & Disinfecting
Contact our Disease Prevention team for guidance on the proper use of cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting products. Find out which products are safer to use around children.
Food Safety
Our team can review your food preparation facilities, food handling practices, and menu safety. We also provide information to license-exempt preschools on how to meet the newest WA State Food Code requirements.
Playground Safety
Our team can help make sure your outdoor play space is safe. Get ideas for creative outside play and nature areas.
Dental Care
Help children and families access dentists who accept Medicaid. Offer dental supplies to all children within your facility at no-cost.
Pets and Animals
Although kids enjoy them, some animals carry diseases that can spread in childcare settings. Get help reviewing your pet or backyard farm animal policies.
Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care
Help your childcare become breastfeeding-friendly for families. We will provide you with tools and support.
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Childhood lead poisoning remains a problem that can cause lifelong health issues. Learn what prevention steps you can take to reduce the risks for children in your care.
Program Contact
Contact our Whitman County Public Health Schools & Childcare Resource Navigator by emailing PersonalFamilyHealth@whitmancounty.gov. Or, call our office at (509) 397-6280.
Resources for Schools & Childcare
Safe Playgrounds Program
Why is it important to have safe playgrounds?
Playgrounds are an important part of a developing child. Not only are they important for developing social skills, they are a place to learn risk assessment skills. During the years 2009-2014 there was an average of 243,200 playground injuries serious enough to warrant an emergency room visit (NEISS, July 2015). 79% of playground injuries are caused by falls (Tinsworth and McDonald, 2001). Our job is to make sure the play environment is less conducive to the severe and life-threatening injuries.
What does WCPH offer in the inspection?
WCPH offers a detailed analysis of playground equipment, its current condition, risks commonly associated with that type of equipment, and recommendations for alterations or replacements that may need to be made. We will identify potential hazards and work with the school to create a plan to address any hazards and/or maintain playground safety. We also offer technical assistance in any plans for remodels of play areas or new construction.
How does WCPH support after the inspection is done?
After the inspection, WCPH will help assess the relative risks of any identified hazards and help develop action plans to address these issues. We will help to create a monitoring and maintenance plan for the continued safety of the playground.
How to request this resource?
Call WCPH and ask to schedule a playground inspection with Environmental Health or email requesting the same service at eh@whitmancounty.gov.
Schools & Childcare Updates
Keeping childcare and school providers informed about public health concerns is crucial to ensuring timely preventive measures, reducing the spread of illness, and protecting the well-being of children, staff, and the broader community.
Virus
Apr 4, 2025
Measles Health Advisory for Whitman County Families
Recently, Whitman County Public Health sent a letter to all Whitman County schools and childcare facilities to distribute to parents reminding them to stay vigilant against the potential spread of measles in Whitman County.
In 2024 there were 285 measles cases reported in the United States. As of April 11, 2025 there have already been 712 measles cases confirmed in the U.S.
Among the cases in the US this year:
- 97% of cases were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
- 3 deaths have occurred in unvaccinated individuals (the first deaths in the US from measles since 2015).
- 20% of children under 5 required hospitalization.
- 3 cases have been confirmed in Washington State in King and Snohomish Counties
Please see WCPH's measles fact sheet for more information on measles.