October is Safe Sleep Awareness month

October is Safe Sleep Awareness month, and the OEC has launched a Safe Sleep campaign to raise awareness about the importance of following safe sleep practices.

Following safe sleep requirements helps keep babies safe. Sleep-related incidents remain a leading cause of injury and death in infants. Consistent routines, safe environments, and trained staff save lives. Your daily practices make a difference. We wanted you to be aware of campaign materials developed for all staff working with children to learn about safe sleep:

• Provider Handouts (English & Spanish)
• Provider Posters (English & Spanish)
• Family Pamphlets (English & Spanish)
• Video: com/watch?v=OmCD6eAOzIc

All of these materials can be accessed on our website at ctoec.org/educational-campaign- materials/safe-sleep-for-babies. Your OEC Licensing Specialist will have printed materials to share during visits, and you may also print them yourself. Feel free to share these materials with staff members by emailing them, hanging them in common spaces, or scheduling a meeting to discuss the information. There are also materials intended to share with families since consistency between child care and home is essential for safe sleep.

This is also a good time to revisit your safe sleep policy which must include the requirements of the regulations concerning infant sleep arrangements, and to remind all staff working with children of the requirements of the policy. Links to both the Child Care Center and Group Child Care Home statutes and regulations and Family Child Care Homes statutes and regulations are provided for your reference. All child care programs must post the infant sleep policy in a visible location and discuss with parents the requirements for sleep arrangements prior to enrollment and as needed during the child’s enrollment. A sample policy is posted on the OEC website: Sample Infant Sleep Policy

Thank you for continuing to help us keep children safe in Connecticut!