Policy - Creche Illness
Section: Human Resource Policies
Policy Owner: Ignition633 Ministries Human Resources
Policy Name: Creche Illness Policy
Origination Date: October 2024
Creche Illness Policy
Purpose:
The purpose of the Creche Illness Policy is to ensure the health and well-being of all children and staff within our childcare facility. It aims to minimize the spread of infectious diseases by establishing clear guidelines for managing illnesses.
Scope:
The scope of this policy covers all children enrolled in the creche, their families, and staff members. It outlines procedures for identifying, responding to, and preventing the spread of illnesses, as well as specifying conditions under which children should be excluded from care and when they may safely return.
Health Assessment and Screening:
Daily Health Checks:
Caregivers will conduct daily health assessments of each child upon arrival. Parents or guardians should inform caregivers of any symptoms or signs of illness their child may be experiencing.
Symptoms Monitoring:
Children who exhibit symptoms of illness, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, persistent cough, or excessive fatigue, will be closely monitored throughout the day.
Exclusion Policy:
Exclusion Criteria:
Children who display symptoms of contagious illnesses or meet exclusion criteria, such as fever over 100°F, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious conditions, will not be allowed to attend the creche until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
Notification:
Parents or guardians will be notified immediately if their child exhibits symptoms of illness and must arrange for the child to be picked.
Medication Administration:
Authorization:
Caregivers can only administer medication to a child with written consent from the parent or guardian. The medication must be in its original container, labeled with the child's name, dosage instructions, and the prescribing physician's information.
Record Keeping:
All medication administrations will be recorded in a medication log, including the time, date, medication name, dosage, and the person administering it.
Hand Hygiene and Infection Control:
Hand-washing:
Caregivers and children will practice regular hand-washing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, before meals, and after coughing or sneezing.
Respiratory Hygiene:
Encourage children to cover their mouths and noses with tissues or elbows when coughing or sneezing and dispose of used tissues properly.
Cleanliness and Hygiene:
High-touch surfaces and toys will be regularly cleaned and disinfected to prevent the spread of illness.
Communication with Parents/Guardians:
Notification:
Parents or guardians will be informed promptly if their child has been exposed to a contagious illness within the childcare center.
Return To Childcare:
Parents or guardians should inform caregivers when their child is ready to return to the childcare center following an illness, ensuring the child is symptom-free and not contagious.
Emergency Response:
Emergency Care:
In the event of a medical emergency, caregivers will follow established emergency procedures, including contacting emergency services and notifying parents or guardians.
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This policy will be reviewed annually and is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to all employees promptly.
For any questions or further assistance regarding this policy, employees should contact the HR department at hr@ignition633.org.