Training Modules Provide IPM Tips For Child Care And Early Learning Environments

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA, January 05, 2013 (Press-News.org) A free ten-part IPM training program designed for child care and early learning environments is now available. The PowerPoint set presents a step-by-step approach to improving management of pests and reducing pesticide risks.

An introductory module is followed by units designed for training child care center directors, maintenance staff, and teachers and caregivers. Additional pest-specific modules provide training on key facts and management tips for mice and rats, cockroaches, bed bugs, flies, ants, and head lice.

Child care centers and early learning facilities are sensitive environments, making IPM crucial. "Millions of young children across the country spend a large portion of their day in child care and early learning settings," explains Lyn Garling, director of programs for the Pennsylvania IPM Program. Training resources for administrators and staff are critical for a successful IPM program. "Once staff and administrators learn about risks due to pests and pesticides and safer solutions, new approaches and steps can be implemented to reduce risks in these environments," says Garling. Gaining staff cooperation makes the pest management process more efficient and cuts down on the workload for the pest management professionals and IPM coordinators.

The module for teachers and caregivers describes appropriate IPM roles for these professionals including maintaining a clean facility; reporting pests and conditions that may encourage pests such as leaks or cracks; and cooperating with policies for trash handling, recycling and cleaning.
The bed bug module offers effective tactics that child care staff can implement, including testing dryers to ensure they generate sufficient heat to kill all bed bug life stages, and using steam heat to treat other objects and areas. The module explains the difference between bed bug introductions and infestations, and appropriate steps to prevent and resolve both conditions.

The modules were created with funding from the EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection in collaboration with the PA IPM Program at Penn State, EPA Region II; the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; and Dr. Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, entomologist and
senior extension associate for the New York State IPM Program at Cornell University.

To download the modules, go to the EPA Child Care Training and Curriculum Resources website at http://epa.gov/childcare/training.html.

The Pennsylvania IPM program is a collaboration between the Pennsylvania State University and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture aimed at promoting integrated pest management in both agricultural and urban settings. For more information, contact the program at 814-865-2839, or go to http://www.paipm.org.