ECCD 4: Health Promotion and Protection
|
|
The child care service promotes and protects the health of children and
caregivers.
A health record is maintained for each child that includes:
- verification of regular health evaluations;
- evidence of up-to-date immunizations required by applicable law or regulation;
- emergency contact information that is updated at least twice a year;
- written parental authorization for emergency care; and
- an acknowledgment form, signed by a child care program director or designee at the organization, which states that information has been received about the child’s health needs and allergies, and specifies the program’s role in carrying out any related care or treatment.
Interpretation: Emergency contact information should also include the names of the family physician, clinic, or hospital to be used in emergencies. When a child has allergies or health issues, the acknowledgement form should specify which foods the child cannot eat and any activities in which the child cannot participate.
All parents receive a written health protocol that addresses:
- health issues or needs the organization can and cannot handle; and
- care for sick children, including separation from other children.
Child health problems and accidents, including changes in appearance or behavior, are promptly recorded and reported to parents and
administration, and appropriate follow-up is conducted.
Precautions against the spread of infection include:
- daily cleaning of the facility or home;
- sanitizing bedding, beds, cots, cribs, and mats at least once a week and between use by different children;
- sanitary and safe diapering practices;
- separating hand-washing sinks from kitchen sinks; and
- ensuring caregivers and children wash their hands immediately after diapering or toileting.
Caregivers model good health habits and provide age-appropriate instruction on health and hygiene practices.
Interpretation: An example of such practices would be washing hands before and after eating and after using the bathroom.
NA The organization provides
infant care only.
Caregivers are flexible in meeting each child’s eating, toileting, and sleeping needs.
Interpretation: Each child under age six should be provided with a crib, bed, or cot and clean bedding. Healthy meals should be based on sound nutritional
planning and menus should reflect the diverse ethnic backgrounds of the children in the program. Programs respond to the needs of infants as they occur in a way that allows for different schedules, rather than a rigid schedule.
Children are protected from injuries, accidents, and illnesses through practices that ensure personnel:
- follow universal health precautions;
- are able to provide pediatric first aid and respond when a child is choking;
- trained in CPR are available to respond at all times;
- notify parents in case of emergencies;
- identify and report suspected child abuse to state authorities;
- have access to telephone equipment, emergency transportation, and first aid supplies; and
- are healthy and capable of performing the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Interpretation: The organization can train a certain percentage of personnel in CPR to ensure appropriate coverage at all times. While a physical examination is preferred, caregivers may receive a general health screening performed by a
qualified medical practitioner, provided the screening addresses communicable diseases. The organization should also
screen all other family members in family child care homes for communicable diseases.
A health facility or qualified medical professional is available to provide:
- medical consultation to the program;
- a review of children’s health needs; and
- a review of the organization’s health and safety practices.
