Health issues and policies in a child care facilityMake sure sound health-related policies are followed at any child
care facility you are considering for your child. Ask about the following
issues, and get written documentation if possible: - Is smoking banned from the
facility?
- Do all children and staff have up-to-date immunizations?
How are immunizations monitored?
- What procedures do staff follow
when a child becomes ill? What precautions do they take to help prevent the
spread of illness? Children should not be allowed in group child care if they
are not physically able to participate in activities because of illness or if
they are too ill to be taken care of by staff without jeopardizing the safety
of other children.1
- Will staff give
prescribed medication?
- How are parents notified when a child at the
facility has a highly contagious or serious illness?
- Are all
caregivers trained and committed to placing infants to sleep on their backs (to
reduce the risk of
sudden infant death syndrome [SIDS])? Some caregivers
may not consistently follow the policy because they don't fully understand the
associated SIDS risk.2 Approximately 20% of SIDS
deaths occur in child care settings.3
| | Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: December 1, 2006 | | Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
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