HEALTH AND MEDICATION POLICY
We hope that your child will not become ill, nevertheless this may happen. It is very important that you plan for your child’s care should they have to stay at home.
PREVENTION AND HYGIENE
1. Parents should keep their child at home or seek alternate care arrangements for the following conditions:
Generally speaking, a person who catches a cold can spread it to other from one day before symptoms appear, and about five days after the cold symptoms (above) begin.
If the symptoms (runny nose and eyes, coughing) are caused by a known allergy (e.g., hay fever, asthma) the child is not contagious and does not have to be excluded.
In summary, a child must be kept at home (or taken home) when the child:
Ultimately, the care of a child who is ill is the parent’s responsibility.
2. Written record of child’s immunization must be on file. Children’s immunizations should be kept up to date.
If a child is not immunized, a letter stating that must be provided for the child’s file.
If a disease outbreak occurs, the non-immunized child will be excluded immediately.
3. Emergency consent for contacting the doctor, ambulance must be on file.
4. Hygiene to prevent illness is a priority. Practices such as washing linens, separated storage of lines/clothing, frequent hand washing and regular cleaning/disinfecting of toys/equipment.
5. Parents, please refer to the booklet “Common Childhood Diseases”, located on the bulletin board
PREVENTION AND HYGIENE
1. Parents should keep their child at home or seek alternate care arrangements for the following conditions:
- Pain – any complaints of unexplained or undiagnosed pain.
- A common cold with listlessness, runny nose and eyes, coughing and sore throat. Once the child’s temperature, well being and energy have returned to normal, the child may no longer be contagious, and may be able to return to the child care facility even though coughing and runny nose may persist.
Generally speaking, a person who catches a cold can spread it to other from one day before symptoms appear, and about five days after the cold symptoms (above) begin.
If the symptoms (runny nose and eyes, coughing) are caused by a known allergy (e.g., hay fever, asthma) the child is not contagious and does not have to be excluded.
- Difficulty breathing – wheezing or a persistent cough
- Fever (100℉/38.8℃ or more) accompanied by general symptoms such as listlessness or sluggishness may be an early sign of an illness that requires a doctor’s attention.
- Sore throat or trouble swallowing
- Infected skin or eyes, or an undiagnosed rash
- Headache and stiff neck (should see physician)
- Unexplained diarrhea or loose stool (may or may not be combined with nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps). These symptoms may indicate a bacterial or viral gastrointestinal infection which is very easily passed from one child to another via the fecal/oral route. The child should be kept at home until all symptoms have stopped.
- Nausea and vomiting may be early signs of illness.
- Severe itching, dry skin of either body or scalp if caused by head lice or scabies.
- Children with known of suspected communicable diseases.
In summary, a child must be kept at home (or taken home) when the child:
- Is suffering from one or more of the above symptoms or
- Is not well enough to take part in the regular programs of the facility.
Ultimately, the care of a child who is ill is the parent’s responsibility.
2. Written record of child’s immunization must be on file. Children’s immunizations should be kept up to date.
If a child is not immunized, a letter stating that must be provided for the child’s file.
If a disease outbreak occurs, the non-immunized child will be excluded immediately.
3. Emergency consent for contacting the doctor, ambulance must be on file.
4. Hygiene to prevent illness is a priority. Practices such as washing linens, separated storage of lines/clothing, frequent hand washing and regular cleaning/disinfecting of toys/equipment.
5. Parents, please refer to the booklet “Common Childhood Diseases”, located on the bulletin board
MANAGING ILLNESS
- Parents will be immediately notified when their child becomes ill while at centre. Parents may be expected to pick up their child on very short notice.
- Temporary care of ill child at centre will be provided. The child will be given a quiet area, away from the other children, but within supervision of the caregiver, until the parent arrives.
- Before a child who has been ill returns, they must be clear of symptoms and able to participate in the regular daily program. If the child is receiving medication, the child must be on medication for a 24 hour period prior to returning to daycare.
- Parents are requested to inform the caregiver within 24 hours of diagnosis of or exposure to serious illness or communicable disease.
- The caregiver must notify the Licensing Officer of a Reportable Communicable Disease. (List of Reportable Communicable Diseases Posted on the bulletin board)
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION
- Medications will be administered to children only when absolutely necessary.
- Written consent of parent, including a record of the medication to be administered will be completed. The caregiver will record the date, time, dosage, by whom when the medication is administered.
- Medication must be provided in the original container and include directions for use or physicians instruction.
- Medications are inaccessible to the children (except puffers).
ALLERGIES
It is extremely important for parents to inform us of allergies. If child gas life-threatening reaction to a food, e.g. peanuts or sesame, the staff will declare the Program a Peanut/Sesame Free Zone while that child attends the Centre. Parents will be informed by a memorandum as well as a sign that will be permanently displayed.
It is extremely important for parents to inform us of allergies. If child gas life-threatening reaction to a food, e.g. peanuts or sesame, the staff will declare the Program a Peanut/Sesame Free Zone while that child attends the Centre. Parents will be informed by a memorandum as well as a sign that will be permanently displayed.