Child Center Health

Physical Examination

Each child under 2 shall have an initial physical examination not more than 6 months prior to entry and a follow-up exam at least 6 months after admission. Each child 2 years and older shall have an initial health exam not more than one year prior to admission and a follow-up exam at least once every 2 years. If an exam has not been completed upon entry, an appointment date for an exam must be made within the first week of enrollment and reported to the Center director. The Child Health Report should be in the child’s file within 30 days of the child’s first day of attendance.

A record of your child’s immunizations must be on file on the child’s entry day.

Health Observation

Before taking your child to school each day, please check if any of these signs of illness, such as a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or rash, are present. If your child exhibits these symptoms s/he should be kept at home.

To control illness, parents should encourage children to wash their hands as one of the first things done when entering the classroom.

On arrival at the Center and throughout the day, a daily health observation will be made of your child by a staff member. If your child displays any of the following signs of illness, s/he will be made comfortable and moved to a supervised area away from the other children. Exclusion criteria may include

  • The child does not feel well enough to participate in the usual activities of the program.
  • The staff cannot care for the sick child without interfering with the care of the other children.
  • Fever of 101 degrees or higher.
  • Rash
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea = watery or unformed stools not contained in diaper/toilet
  • Other contagions or conditions

Health Sign

A dated health sign will be posted to alert parents to symptoms of disease that may be infecting the center. To give accurate information to others, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible if your child will not be attending day care due to illness.

Contagious Conditions

Contagious conditions which require treatment must be verified by the parent with a written statement indicating the child was treated, when and with what method. Examples of these contagious illnesses include, but are not limited to ringworm, head lice, pink eye, staphylococcus, and scabies.

Communicable Diseases

If your child is hospitalized or is ill with a communicable disease, we will credit your day care bill as long as prompt notification of the illness is given to Center staff. These communicable diseases include measles, German measles, mumps, chickenpox, whooping cough, scarlet fever, infectious hepatitis, meningitis or strep throat (one day’s credit). Your child must have a doctor’s permission slip to return to the Center or remain out for the time period indicated by the health department.

The Center is required to notify the local health department if any communicable diseases are infecting the Center.

The Parent Child Center implements a nit free policy. This means a child may return to the Center when s/he has been treated with an application of a lice-killing product and all lice, eggs (nits), and egg cases have been removed from the child’s hair.

Prescribed Medication

We will administer prescribed medication to your child, if necessary. The parent must complete and sign a medication form. Prescription medication must be in the original container and labeled with the child’s name, name of drug, dosage, directions for administering, date and physician’s name. Blanket authorizations will be reviewed regularly to verify the medication is not outdated.

Nonprescription Medication

Nonprescription medication, such as pain relievers or cough medicine, may be given if it is in the original container and labeled with the child’s name and dosage. The medication request, signed by the parent, includes the dosage and directions for administering.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellant

Sunscreen and insect repellant may be applied upon the written authorization of the parent. The authorization shall include the brand and ingredient strength of the sunscreen or repellant. Authorizations will be reviewed every 6 months and updated as necessary.

Chronic Health Conditions

Heath procedures for chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, seizures or allergies, will be dealt with on an individual basis. All specialized procedures will be recorded on the child’s emergency plan form and be fully explained and demonstrated to the staff by the parent.

Medical Log Book

A medical log book is kept to record medications given and any injuries which occur during the hours of operation at the Parent Child Center. Information in the medical log pertaining to your child may be reviewed by you at your request.

Accidents and Injuries

The Center takes every precaution to keep your child safe. If, however, your child becomes injured while at the Center, you will be notified immediately. In the case of a medical emergency your child will be transported to the health facility listed on the enrollment form or to Franciscan Skemp Healthcare Center, which is the closest to the Center. If a child is transported to a medical facility, a staff member will accompany the child.

All PCC Staff are trained in Pediatric First Aid and CPR. Minor injuries will be reported to you at departure time.

Social Services

Center staff will report any incident in which a child appears to be abused or neglected to the County Department of Social Services, the Child Protection Agency or the local police department. Any parent/guardian who has reason to suspect abuse by a staff person should report the concern to one of the above agencies.

Pets

Parent Child Center often provides the opportunity for the children to be involved with classroom pets such as goldfish or outdoor pets such as a rabbit. The rabbit’s hutch, located in the back yard, is maintained in a sanitary manner. Any contact with the animals will be under close supervision of a staff person. Parents will be notified of any visits by other animals from the Humane Society or family pets before the visit occurs.

Toileting

Staff will plan toilet learning in cooperation with the parent so that the child’s toilet routine is consistent between the Center and child’s home. No attempts for toilet learning will begin before the age of 18 months in accordance with licensing rules. Application of lotions or ointments to a child during diapering will be made only by specific written authorization by the parent. For toddlers and children still toilet learning, please dress them in clothing that is easy on, easy off!

Rest

Each child will be encouraged to nap or rest for a short time after lunch each day. During rest time, staff will make children comfortable by reading, rubbing backs or rocking. Children who do not fall asleep after a brief period of time will be able to choose some quiet activities. Those who nap may sleep longer as necessary. Toddlers will be allowed to follow their own pattern of sleeping and waking.

22. The Center will provide each child with a cot and clean cot sheet. Parents should provide a cot-size blanket labeled with the child’s name and one special comfort item which may help the child relax. Each child’s bedding will be sent home for washing on a weekly basis or when soiled.

Outdoor Play

The children go outside every day for a healthy dose of fresh air. Exceptions may include inclement weather of heavy rain, high temperatures or wind chills. Children healthy enough to attend day care should be well enough to play outside.