Keeping Children Healthy & Safe

• Security
• Children’s Health Records - physical exams, screenings, immunizations
• Information About Lead Poisoning
• Exclusion Policy
• Meeting Specific Health Needs
• Emergency First Aid Procedures
• Off-Site Emergencies
• Plan for Evacuation of the Center in an Emergency
• Medication Policy - prescription medications, non-prescription medications, topical medications
• Child Protection Mandate
• Academic Projects

Security

Your child’s safety is our first priority. It is unfortunate that contrary to our philosophy of treating people with respect and compassion, we must also learn to be wary of strangers (and neighbors). But, in order to maintain a secure environment, we take the following precautions:

• The front door is kept closed and locked at all times. Parents are given an entry code.
• All visitors must check in with the office upon arrival.
• Only persons listed on the authorization and consent form may pick up a child. This person must be at least 16 years of age and must present valid photo identification.
• Teachers continually monitor the area outside of the playground.
• Our staff schedule is arranged to insure that there are always two teachers on the premises.
• We strictly enforce a no weapons or gun-play policy at school. As a parent, you can assist in the following ways:
  • Please walk your children in and out of the building making sure that they stay with you at all times. Although children like to use the keypad, for their safety the code should only be entered by adults.
  • Pay careful attention to the things your child is watching on TV and at the movies. This includes the news and other television shows, which may appear to be written for children but often have a great deal of adult content.
  • Do not allow people whom you do not recognize to walk into the building with you. It is better to learn that the person is a parent you have not met than to allow a stranger into the center.
  • Do not underestimate what children can learn from overhearing adult conversations.

Children’s Health Records

Physical Exams

A physical exam within 12 months prior to enrollment is required for all children who attend. A school health record must be completed by the child’s physician and returned to the center prior to enrollment.

Parents can provide a written statement to the center if this requirement is in conflict with their religious beliefs.

Screenings

Children between the ages of 15 months and 4 years old must provide evidence that they have been screened for lead poisoning prior to enrollment.

Parents can provide a written statement to the center if this procedure is in conflict with their religious beliefs, or a physician’s statement to verify that this procedure is contraindicated for their child.

Immunizations

Before enrollment begins, parents must provide a physician’s certificate which verifies that their child has been successfully immunized in accordance with the current Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.

Parents can provide a written statement to the center if these immunizations are in conflict with their religious beliefs, or a physician’s statement to verify that they are contraindicated for their child.

Information About Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is an environmental disease which usually affects preschool children. Small amounts of lead can affect a child’s ability to learn and develop. Larger amounts, if not detected and treated in time, may cause serious illness or permanent damage. Most often children are poisoned by the ingestion of lead paint chips or lead paint dust. However, there are many possible sources of lead available to children living in an industrial society. Soil, air and water also contribute to the lead levels in children. Children are exposed to these sources through hand to mouth activity.

Most children who are lead poisoned will show no symptoms. In those who do show symptoms, they are often vague and easily attributed to other childhood diseases. Symptoms of lead poisoning may include head or stomach ache, tiredness, fussiness and poor appetite. The only sure way of determining whether a child has absorbed too much lead is to test his or her blood. The lead-screening test is a simple, relatively painless fingerstick which collects a small amount of blood.

All children under the age of six living in Massachusetts are at risk for acquiring lead poisoning. However, for some children, particularly those living in older or substandard housing with peeling paint, the risk is greater. Periodic screening of all preschool children is required in Massachusetts. Children who are not high risk must be tested every year between the ages of 9 months and 4 years. High-risk children must be tested more frequently. Proof of a lead-screening test is required for entry to a child care center or public school. Because, for reasons not well explained, lead levels rise in the summer, whenever possible a screening test should be performed during warm weather months. Most doctors and clinics will screen children for lead if you request it. Many Boards of Health also provide screening tests, usually at no cost.

If you are interested in learning more about childhood lead poisoning, please call the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at
1-800-532-9571.

Exclusion Policy

Only children who are in good health may be brought to the center. Children who cannot participate fully in the regular program, including outdoor play, should not be brought to school. All children will be observed upon arrival for any potential health concerns. Children may not remain at the center if they exhibit or they have experienced any of the following symptoms within the previous 24-hour period:

• Fever of 101° (tympanic) – Children sent home during the day may not return to school until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
• Diarrhea – 2 or more episodes close together may be assumed to be contagious unless determined by a doctor not to be so.
• Vomiting.
• Pronounced or persistent cough.
• Any contagious condition, including, but not limited to, strep, flu, respiratory infection, conjunctivitis, infectious rash, ring worm, hepatitis, chicken pox, measles, mumps, scabies, lice, etc. unless the child is accompanied by a physician’s note indicating that the child is able to return to a group setting.

A child who has been seen by a physician and is receiving antibiotics may return to the program after being on the medication for a full 24-hour period. In cases of strep, the period may be extended to 48 hours. Exceptions can be made if the child is accompanied by a physician’s note indicating that s/he is able to return to a group setting.

When a child develops signs of illness during the day, a parent or designated contact will be called and will be expected to pick the child up as soon as possible. In the meantime, the child will be made comfortable in a quiet, supervised location away from the other children.

Meeting Specific Health Needs

Parents are asked to notify teachers in writing of any specific needs a child may have during the course of the day, which might affect their participation in the group. Teachers will arrange schedules and activities, as allowed, to accommodate children’s individual needs.

All allergies noted on the child’s enrollment application or health form will be posted in each classroom. An allergy tag will also be placed in a prominent location on each child’s file. All staff will be informed of the allergies and will be directed to protect the child from exposure to allergens.

Emergency First Aid Procedures

In the event of a non-life threatening illness or accidental injury, the teacher in charge should notify the Director. The Director will make an immediate attempt to contact a parent. If the parent or designated emergency contact cannot be reached, the child’s physician will be called.

If the injury is considered to be life-threatening or requires immediate medical attention, the Director will call an ambulance and then attempt to contact the parent. A teacher will remain with the child at all times. If necessary, the child will be transported to the nearest medical facility. The Director will accompany the child and will remain with the child until the parent arrives.

Any illness which does not require emergency medical attention will be handled as follows:

1) a teacher will notify the Director of the illness;
2) the child will be made comfortable and brought to a quiet, supervised location, away from the other children, until arrangements can be made to have the child picked up.

Off Site Emergencies

The teacher in charge will insure that appropriate emergency forms and a first aid kit accompany any group traveling to another location. In the event that a child becomes injured or seriously ill while on a field trip, a qualified staff member will administer first aid, while another staff member contacts emergency medical personnel. The staff member will also notify the child’s parent or guardian and the center as soon as possible. If needed, a designated teacher will accompany the child by ambulance to the nearest medical facility and will remain with the child until the parent or guardian arrives. No child will be left unattended at any time.

Plan for Evacuation of the Center in an Emergency

All emergency exits are clearly marked. Evacuation plans are posted in each classroom indicating two separate means of egress from each area. In the event that it becomes necessary to evacuate the center, the children will be taken to the mall on Harbor Point Blvd. (The lobby of Building #10 will be used in inclement weather.) The teacher leading each group will take the daily attendance sheet and the emergency cards. Another staff member will search the area for children and collect as many coats as possible.

Administrative staff will assist with the toddler group and/or children with disabilities, and complete the final check. No one will be allowed to re-enter the building until the Director signals that the area is clear.

In the event that it is not possible to return to the center, the group will proceed to the Harbor Point Clubhouse. Parents will be notified and asked to pick up their children.
In the case of a power outage, flood, loss of heat, or loss of water during regular program hours, every effort will be made to keep the center open and to maintain our regular program routine. In the event that any of these circumstances persist for longer than one hour, parent(s) will be notified and asked to pick up their children as soon as possible.

Medication Policy

Medication will only be administered with appropriate authorization from the child’s physician and parent. Medication Authorization Forms are located in each classroom and in the office.

• Only teachers or administrative staff will administer medication.
• Medication should be handed directly to your child’s teacher. Please do not leave any medication in your child’s backpack or cubby.
  
• All medications must be sent in the original container, clearly labeled with the child’s name.
• Medication will be stored in a secure cabinet in your child’s classroom or in the center’s kitchen refrigerator as required. Topical medications may be stored with the child’s diapering supplies on a shelf which is inaccessible to children.
• Appropriate authorization forms will be stored with each medication and updated each time the medication is administered.
• Parents must supply any special devices required for proper administration of any medication, such as a dropper, calibrated cup, nebulizer, etc.
• Each dosage given will be recorded on the authorization sheet and on a central medication log, which is stored in each classroom. The record will indicate the name of the child, medication, dose, time, and the name of the person who administered the medication.
• When administering medication, no attempt will be made to restrain a child if the child is upset or uncooperative. A parent will be notified immediately if such a problem occurs.
• The center reserves the right to discontinue any medication if an adverse reaction is observed.
• The center is not responsible for replacement of spilled medication or for those left beyond the expiration date. Unused medication will be returned to the parent.

Prescription Medications

Prescription medications will only be administered when delivered to your child’s primary teacher in the current prescription container, labeled by the pharmacist with the child’s name, physician’s name, name of medication, dosage instructions, and date. Parents will also be asked to complete a Medication Authorization Form giving the center permission to administer the medication.

Non-prescription Medications

Non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication will only be administered with a written physician’s order that provides specific instructions for dosage, schedule, and term. This order will be valid for one year. We encourage that orders are not brand-specific unless the parent wishes to provide only that brand of medication (i.e. ibuprofen might be ordered instead of Children’s Advil).

Parents will also be asked to complete a Medication Authorization Form each time they wish to have a teacher administer the medication. If the medication is to be given as needed, an attempt will be made to notify a parent before the medication is administered unless the child needs the medication urgently or when contacting the parent will create an unreasonable delay. Parents will be notified in writing each time that a non-prescription medication is given to their child.

Topical Medications

Parents will be asked to complete a Topical Medication Authorization Form for any topical medication or ointment, such as diaper cream, orajel, sunscreen, etc. This form must be updated annually.

Child Protection Mandate

In order to grow and learn, children’s basic needs for good nutrition, shelter, medical care, bathing, clean clothes, intellectual stimulation, appropriate discipline, love, and a feeling of importance must be met. All children deserve a safe, nurturing environment that makes them feel secure and loved. Our commitment is to provide the best possible environment to support your child’s self-esteem and healthy development. To help our teachers understand your child’s needs, we ask that you keep us informed about your child’s health, well being, and any illnesses, injuries, or situations outside of the center that might adversely affect your child. Any information you provide will be considered privileged and confidential and will only be shared with staff who are directly involved in caring for your child.

Should you have any difficulty in providing for your child’s emotional or physical needs, you are encouraged to ask for help. The Director can provide a referral to a community resource when you are experiencing a need for additional support.
In the rare instance when we recognize that your child’s needs are being consistently neglected, the Director will inform you of these concerns and will assist you in finding ways to meet those needs. If you are temporarily unable or unwilling to meet your child’s minimal needs, as described above, our staff is mandated by state law to file a report with the Department of Social Services.

In all cases of suspected child abuse, Early Learning Center staff members are considered mandated reporters. If a teacher or staff member has reason to suspect that a child may have been abused, they will report these concerns to the Director, who will assess the facts and assist the staff member in making a decision about whether or not to file a report. A decision will also be made about whether to notify the child’s parent or guardian. In making this decision, risk to the child involved will be of the utmost concern.

The UMB Early Learning Center staff will cooperate in all investigations of abuse or neglect.

A copy of the center’s complete abuse and neglect policy is available to any parent upon request.

It can be located in the center’s Health and Safety Manual. These procedures include, but are not limited to, insuring that an allegedly abusive or neglectful staff member does not work directly with children until an investigation has been completed by the UMass Boston Early Learning Center, the Office of Child Care Services, and the Department of Social Services.

In the event that program staff feel that any person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol when arriving to pick up a child, the following procedure will be implemented:

• The Director or supervising teacher will meet privately with the person to discuss their concerns, while the classroom teacher remains with the child.
• Another parent or authorized contact may be called and asked to pick the child up.
  
• In the event that the person becomes verbally or physically abusive in any way, or disregards the center’s concerns and leaves with the child, the Campus Police and/or the Department of Social Services will be notified immediately.

Academic Projects

University students come in regularly to do general classroom observations and simple activities with the children. Individual children will not become a part of any major academic studies unless the parent signs a specific release describing the study and
its purpose.

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