Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Gov. Carney Announce Further Child Care Investments and Initiatives

NEW CASTLE (March 19, 2024) – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services and Governor John Carney announced additional investments in child care for the upcoming year.

Building on the Governor’s Recommended Budget, which proposes expanding eligibility for Purchase of Care to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and creating over 200 additional ECAP seats, the State will be taking the following actions this year:

  • Cap family co-payments at 7% of family income and remove all co-pays for families below 150% of the federal poverty level, ensuring families will pay less out of pocket for child care.
  • Increase compensated absence days from five to 10, providing child care centers and homes with additional stability and predictability in their budgets.

When combined with the proposed investments in the Governor’s Recommended Budget, these actions will help more families pay for child care.

“We know how critical the first five years of a child’s life are to future academic and career success,” said Governor John Carney. “Investing in our youngest learners has been a priority of ours from day one, and these investments further that commitment. I want to thank our child care providers for all they do every day to set our children up for future success.”

Since 2017, the administration has more than doubled investments in Purchase of Care and the Early Childhood Assistance Program (ECAP). The Governor’s Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 proposes investing $83 million in Purchase of Care, compared to $32 million in 2017 and $15.7 million in ECAP, compared to $6.1 million in 2017.

“From birth to 5, the first 1,825 days of a child’s life pave a foundation for the future. That’s why it is essential to support early education with policy and investments – it’s not only good for our kids, but also for our child care workforce and our state’s economy. Affordable child care is a necessity for families. These investments in Delaware’s early education sector show our commitment to families, providers, and the strength of our state,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long.

In addition to these investments, the State worked to keep child care providers open by investing more than $100 million during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are thankful for these additional investments which will help support our youngest Delawareans and families,” said Division of Social Services Director Tom Hall. “These program enhancements are a result of conversations and feedback with families, providers, and our federal partners. These investments will help make the purchase of care program more accessible and give providers the boost they need.”

For more information on child care, visit Delaware’s Child Care Consumer Education Website at https://www.mychildde.org/.


Middle and High School Students Invited to Compete in Digital Mapping Technology Contest

The Delaware Department of Education, in conjunction with the state’s geospatial education community, invites Delaware middle and high school students to enter Esri’s 2024 ArcGIS webapp competition. Students are challenged to create and share interactive mapping projects using ESRI ArcGIS software. Delaware entrants to this national competition must create a digital Storymap that explores some aspect of life in Delaware.

The competition is open to high school (grades 9-12) and middle school (grades 5-8) students. Assistance is available to teachers and students who have limited knowledge of how to create an ArcGIS Storymap or web app. Delaware’s top five middle and top five high school students each will be awarded a $100 prize. The state also will select one middle school and one high school entrant to compete nationally.

“Each year students wow me with their entries,” Secretary of Education Mark Holodick said. “This is a great opportunity for students to have fun while practicing real world skills.”

The competition closes May 3, 2024.

See flier here: StoryMap2024

Past winning entries from Delaware students along with more information is available online here.

Email maps@doe.k12.de.us with questions.

 

Media contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006


Emergency Sirens Test on April 2 and Potassium Iodide Event on April 4 in Middletown

For those who live or work within 10 miles of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Stations

To check whether you are within the Emergency Planning Zone, or EPZ, visit de.gov/epz

SMYRNA, Del. — The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), the Delaware State Police, and Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG), will conduct a quarterly test of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations Alert and Notification system on Tuesday, April 2, at 7:20 p.m.

There are 37 sirens in Delaware located within a 10-mile radius of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations in New Jersey. The sirens cover an area north from Delaware City, west to Middletown, and south to Woodland Beach. This test is part of an ongoing program that continually monitors the integrity of the siren system. Sirens will be activated for three to five minutes, followed by a test message of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on local radio stations. Sirens tested are the same ones used to alert the public in the event of an actual emergency at either the Salem or Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations.

In the event of an actual emergency, there would be a series of steady three (3) to five (5) minute siren sounds that would alert citizens to turn their radio to an Emergency Alert System (EAS) station for critical emergency information or instructions.

If there are any questions, please call the Delaware Emergency Management Agency at 1-877-SAY-DEMA (1-877-729-3362) or (302) 659-3362 and ask for Georgina Harris-Sharper or Albert Samah. To learn more about radiological preparedness, visit PrepareDE.org.

KI Distribution 4.4.24

 

Potassium Iodide (KI) Distribution Event on April 4 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will distribute free potassium iodide (KI) tablets to Delaware residents living within a 10-mile radius (also known as the Emergency Planning Zone or EPZ) of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations. The free tablets will be distributed on Thursday, April 4, between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the Volunteer Hose Co. of Middletown, 27 W. Green Street, Middletown, Delaware.

KI is available to residents who have received it previously and whose tablets have reached their expiration date, as well as those who never received tablets before. Individuals with home or business addresses within the EPZ are eligible to receive the KI tablets. Recipients must bring a photo ID such as a driver’s license, proof of residency such as a utility bill, or proof of employment within the EPZ when they go to the Middletown Fire Hall—this is the only requirement to receive KI tablets. Residents who have KI that is expired can bring those tablets to the distribution center to exchange for new ones.

KI does not protect against external radiation but can help protect the thyroid gland from ingested or inhaled radioactive iodine that might be released in a radiation emergency. KI is one of the protective measures outlined in Delaware’s emergency plans developed for use in a nuclear incident. The State of Delaware receives the tablets through a program initiated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Delaware residents living outside of the 10-mile EPZ who would like to obtain KI tablets should contact their pharmacist. KI is also available over the counter at some local pharmacies.

The 10-mile EPZ in Delaware is comprised of four Emergency Response Planning Areas (ERPAs):

  • ERPA A: Port Penn, Odessa, East of Townsend, North Smyrna, and South St. George’s Areas
  • ERPA B: Middletown, East of Townsend, and North Smyrna Areas.
  • ERPA C: Delaware City, North Middletown, St. George’s, and Reybold Areas.
  • ERPA D: The Delaware River and Bay.

For additional information regarding the potassium iodide distribution program in Delaware, call the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) section at 302-659-3362. More information and resources can be found at PrepareDE.org

RESOURCES AND INFORMATION:

2023-2024 Emergency Plan Information for NJ and DE (PSEG Calendar) with up-to-date info and resources.

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ABOUT DEMA

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code.

Social Media: Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook and X and Instagram

 


Governor Carney Seeks Applications for Governor’s Summer Fellowship Program

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced a call for applications for the Governor’s Summer Fellowship Program for Delaware high school students.

 

This is the third year of the Governor’s Summer Fellowship Program. The Governor’s Summer Fellowship Program provides paid camp counselor opportunities for Delaware high school seniors and juniors. Along with real-world experience, fellows will receive paid work opportunities at community-based summer camps in each county and the ability to network with state leaders and elected officials.

 

“There’s nothing more important than making sure that all Delaware children have the chance to excel,” said Governor Carney. “The Summer Fellows will gain paid work opportunities and valuable life experiences while helping their communities on critical issues, including literacy support. I’m looking forward to meeting with the incoming class and encourage all interested students to apply. Thanks to the Department of Education and the United Way of Delaware for their coordination on this project.”

 

Summer Fellows will gain real-world experience in education, community, and State Government as well as receive academic credit for their participation in the program.

 

“This program has proven for the past two years to be a win-win,” said Secretary of Education Mark Holodick. “It offers meaningful work experience for our high school students that I hope also encourages them to pursue a career in education. At the same time, it provides our community partners with the staffing they need to host engaging and enriching summer programs for our younger students.”

 

“The Governor’s Summer Fellowship Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for Delaware’s high school students to embark on a journey of growth and discovery,” said Dr. Michelle A. Taylor, President and CEO of United Way of Delaware. “As young leaders, participants will immerse themselves in real-world experiences, working alongside decision-makers to drive positive change in our communities. This prestigious program not only equips students with invaluable skills and insights but also empowers them to make a tangible impact on the academic achievement gap. I wholeheartedly endorse this program and urge all eligible students to seize this opportunity for personal and community advancement.”

 

Applications for the Governor’s Summer Fellowship Program will be accepted on a rolling basis starting today, March 19, 2024. Prospective fellows must be committed to working for the duration of the program which runs from June 17, 2024, until August 11, 2024.

 

Students interested can apply today at de.gov/summerfellow.


Delaware to Open Upstate Trout Season With Youth-Only Fishing Day Set for April 6

A brown trout. /DNREC graphic by Duane Raver

 

Designated Trout Streams to be Closed to All Fishing from March 23 Until Season Openers

Delaware’s 2024 upstate stream trout season will open for youth anglers under age 16 at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced. The next day, Sunday, April 7, marks the traditional opening day of the state’s trout season – from that day forward all anglers can fish for trout starting a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after sunset, unless otherwise restricted by area rules.

White Clay Creek, Red Clay Creek, Christina Creek, Pike Creek, Beaver Run, Wilson Run and Mill Creek all will be stocked prior to the season with thousands of rainbow and brown trout – including trophy-sized fish weighing two pounds or more as an added attraction for anglers. Trout stocking is planned to continue weekly at White Clay Creek and periodically at the other upstate streams during April.

A designated section of trout stream on Red Clay Creek was introduced in 2023 just for fly fishing, from Yorklyn Road approximately 0.4 miles downstream to the Auburn Valley State Park boundary. In addition, a digital map of Delaware’s trout streams is available to anglers.

To prepare for the season, the streams where trout will be stocked are closed from March 23 to April 5. This period accommodates the stocking effort by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, eliminates incidental hooking of the trout, and allows the fish time to adjust to their new waters.

Trout anglers planning to fish the upstate trout streams should note the following rules and regulations:

  • A Delaware fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older, unless an angler is exempt.
  • A Delaware trout stamp is required for those age 16 and older, unless an angler is exempt.
  • A Delaware young angler trout stamp is required for youth ages 12 through 15.
  • A trout stamp is required to fish for trout until June 30, unless an angler is exempt.
  • The daily possession limit is six trout, except inside the designated fly-fishing-only sections of Red Clay and White Clay Creeks, where the daily possession limit is four trout.

Proceeds from the purchase of Delaware trout stamps are used to help purchase trout for stocking the next year – learn more at de.gov/troutstamp. This popular fishery is also supported by federal Sport Fish Restoration funds administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that are generated from anglers purchasing fishing equipment.

Delaware fishing licenses and trout stamps are sold online and by license agents statewide. To find a participating agent, or to purchase a license online, visit de.gov/licensing. For more information on trout fishing in Delaware, visit de.gov/trout.

For more information on fishing in Delaware, including in-season trout stocking dates, see the 2024 Delaware Fishing Guide.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on more than 68,000 acres of public land owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov


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