LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This article offers suggestions for dealing with common issues that arise in the operation of a daycare facility, but by no means is intended to be a proper medical guideline. For more legal and proper instruction, consult your family doctor or medical professional.The relationship between a parent and a daycare facility is never more important than when it comes to the health and well-being of the child. Communication is key and so is the knowledge of how to deal with common illnesses early before they get out of hand and emergency situations that may arise. All parents need to go over the policy at the daycare and emergency plan so everyone is crystal clear on what will take place should anything occur. Again, good communication makes for a happy and long-lasting parent-childcare worker relationship. In all my years of dealing with many parents and children, I've acquired some essential knowledge that I'm happy to share with you.
All licensed daycare centers have to have full medical records on hand for each child, also known as, "their file". This includes immunization history, allergies, dietary requirements, and needs to be updated with any ongoing "ouch reports" resulting from instances that happen onsite. It's required by law that the health policies of the center be posted on a wall highly visible to everyone. This must include CPR and emergency first aid procedures and the direct contact phone number/address of the nearest emergency room and fire department. All parents should make sure that the daycare they have chosen has full first aid kits in each room and that the accessibility is proper and immediate. Also ask to see the daycare's liability insurance accreditation. If any childcare operation refuses to share this, denies you access or doesn't seem to comply, WALK AWAY!
When you first bring your little one to a daycare facility, there's some important things that need to be discussed right away. Parents needs to know what's going to happen should something start to go wrong. Discussing the daycare policies on sickness (the sick policy) when you first sign up is vital.
As part of the screening process it's required by law that you fill out an emergency response form. This includes a list, in priority order, of who is to be contacted and for what level of medical problem. Also, who has the authority to advise and pick-up the child must be made clear. Make sure effective contact information is in place, like a personal cell phone number, not an office receptionist number, as time can be critical. In severe emergency situations, it may be necessary to call 911 right away, but the parent then needs to be contacted as soon as the child is stabilized and out of immediate harm's way.
Here's some of the policies that I've established for my daycare and the families I serve:
If a severe injury or medical malady happens, CALL 911 right away! This would include bone fractures, choking, severe bleeding, head trauma, poisoning, electric shock, burning, or the onset of a pre-existing, dangerous condition(such as a seizures, severe asthma attacks, heart murmurs, etc).
If a fever is over 100 degrees, consult the mom or dad immediately. Common rises in temperature can be caused by something as simple as teething, or a common cold, but to be on the safe side I always call as it is proper and can avoid bigger problems.
Any signs of a bite from another child or animal can be very dangerous and needs to be addressed right away. The introduction of bacteria and chance of infection is not to be underestimated.
Diarrhea, vomiting, running nose, constant cough, pink eye, head lice, or blood in the stool should be reported to parents as soon as it occurs. Though daycare professionals are not doctors, they are the first point of observation and have an obligation with the parents to get that potentially growing or contagious issue handled ASAP!
If an simple accident like a scraped knee, a bruise, a cut, a sliver, or similar minor injury happens, I always apply immediate first aid, again to assist in avoiding any infection or furthering of the damage. An "ouch report" then needs to be generated and handed to the parent or effectively sent home with the child with an area for parental signature that needs to be signed and dated and returned to the daycare Director same day if possible, or often first thing the next morning, so it winds up signed by both parties and added to the child's existing file. Often a child will choose to hide the small scrape or problem, so be sure to follow the proper rules to keep the communication clear and to legally protect yourself and your child.
Of course we all want our children and those we care for to stay healthy and happy where the environment is proven safe and the plan of actions is thoroughly understood. Being aware of how to act in any given medical or emergency situation can make all the difference in the safety and well-being of your child.
For more detailed information about common medical issues with young children and the effective means for dealing with them, here are some great links that I encourage you to use and benefit from:
First Aid For Kids: What To Know To Help Your Child
https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=eBWoBgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&output=reader&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA1
The Kids' Guide to First Aid: All About Bruises, Burns, Strings, Sprains & Other Ouches
https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Guide-First-Aid-Williamson/dp/1885593589
Kids to the Rescue!: First Aid Techniques For Kids
https://www.amazon.com/Kids-Rescue-First-Aid-Techniques/dp/1884734782/ref=pd_sbs_14_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AKJFSYR2VDZ7WPW0NW4B
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If you have questions, concerns, or have some great advice that you would like to share on this blog, you can write me directly at: askadaycarepro@gmail.com
Love your kids, love your life!
Jennifer Schwartz
"Ask A Daycare Pro"
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