3.16.1.4: Daily Health Checks for Children
- Page ID
- 41695
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Daily Health Check Protocol for Children
Purpose
To ensure the health and safety of all children, staff will conduct a daily health check upon each child’s arrival. This protocol helps identify any signs of illness or potential health concerns to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and ensure a healthy environment.
When to Conduct Health Checks
- Arrival: The health check will be conducted during drop-off when the parent or guardian is present.
- Throughout the Day: Staff will monitor children for any changes in their health or behavior and take action as needed.
What to Look For During Health Checks
- General Appearance:
- Is the child alert, active, and responsive?
- Do they appear unusually fatigued or lethargic?
- Signs of Illness:
- Fever (if a child feels warm to the touch, a temperature check will be conducted with a non-contact thermometer).
- Runny nose, cough, or difficulty breathing.
- Red, watery, or irritated eyes.
- Rash, sores, or swelling.
- Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours.
- Unusual skin color (e.g., pale, flushed, or yellowish tone).
- Physical Symptoms:
- Scratching or signs of itching (e.g., head lice or skin irritation).
- Bruises, bumps, or injuries that may need attention or explanation.
- Behavioral Indicators:
- Unusual mood changes, such as irritability, fussiness, or withdrawal.
- Lack of appetite or unusual eating behaviors.
Health Check Procedure
- Welcome the Child:
- Greet the child and parent/guardian warmly.
- Observe the child’s general appearance and behavior as they arrive.
- Ask Questions:
- Inquire about the child’s health during the past 24 hours:
- “Did they sleep well last night?”
- “Have they been eating normally?”
- “Have you noticed any unusual symptoms, such as a cough or fever?”
- Inquire about the child’s health during the past 24 hours:
- Conduct a Visual Inspection:
- Look for visible signs of illness or discomfort.
- Use a non-contact thermometer to check the child’s temperature if they appear unwell.
- Document Findings:
- Record any observations, symptoms, or parent-reported information in the daily health log.
- Communicate Concerns:
- If symptoms of illness are observed, discuss concerns with the parent/guardian.
- If the child is not well enough to attend, follow the center’s exclusion policy.
Action Steps for Illness or Health Concerns
- Mild Symptoms:
- Monitor the child closely during the day.
- Notify the parent/guardian if symptoms worsen.
- Significant Symptoms:
- If the child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms outlined in the exclusion policy, the child should not be admitted.
- If symptoms develop during the day, isolate the child in a designated area and notify the parent/guardian for immediate pick-up.
Hygiene and Safety During Health Checks
- Staff will practice hand hygiene before and after conducting health checks.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves or masks when necessary.
- Disinfect thermometers and any other tools used between each child.
Communication with Parents
- Share health observations and provide clear explanations if a child is excluded from care.
- Offer resources or guidance for managing illnesses, including when the child may return to the center.
Compliance
This protocol is mandatory and aligns with health and safety standards for early childhood centers. Staff must document and report any health concerns to the center’s director for follow-up action.
This protocol promotes the health and well-being of children and staff, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all.