CHILD INFORMATION CARDS

The Department of Consumer and Industry/Child Care Licensing mandates that each child have completed child care information cards on file. Two cards will be provided for you to complete and must be on file by the first day of attendance. Children in our school age program must have three information cards on file.

It is the parent’s and/or guardian’s responsibility to ensure that the information contained on the cards is up-to-date. It is crucial that The Learning Tree have the most recent work phone number, emergency contact, etc., in the event that there is an emergency and the parent/guardian needs to be reached. Parents are required to review and update all forms every September.

HEALTH APPRAISALS

The Department of Consumer and Industry/Child Care Licensing requires that The Learning Tree have a completed and current health appraisal, including immunization records for your child upon enrollment.

For all children, a health appraisal must be completed annually as mandated by the local Health Department. You will be notified at least one month prior to the expiration date of the physical examination.

The Learning Tree cannot allow a child with an expired health appraisal or incomplete immunizations to attend the program. All health records are submitted to the local county Health Department.

Some parents may choose to waive certain or all vaccinations for their child for religious, philosophical or medical reasons. The local Health Department requires that if a parent or guardian chooses to waive vaccinations then a waiver will need to be completed by the parent or doctor (if it is a medical reason) and be kept on file at The Learning Tree. A copy of the waiver will also be submitted to the local Health Department. A waiver may be picked up from the office.

It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the Office Administrator of any immunization updates your child may receive.

DEVELOPMENTAL HISTORY FORM

The Learning Tree asks that each child have a developmental history form on file. This provides the Center and teachers with information about your child that will help provide the best quality program for each individual child. Parents of infants under 12 months are required to submit a daily schedule of feeding and sleeping times for the infant.

Developmental history forms can be updated at any time, if parents request
to do so.

THE LEARNING TREE – PARENT/GUARDIAN CHILD CARE AGREEMENT

The parent agreement form completes the enrollment process. Upon signing the agreement you acknowledge that you have read and agree to comply with the policies, rules, and responsibilities as outlined in both the handbook and the agreement form.

MEDICAL POLICIES

The Learning Tree has devoted much time and research into developing illness policies that are in the best interest of the children and staff.   We cannot guarantee that we are fully able to contain or prevent the spread of all illnesses.

When we establish guidelines, we understand that sick child care exclusion guidelines that are too stringent can be an enormous burden for working parents.  On the other hand, lax standards can cause increased illnesses among children, staff and families.   Because caring for sick children is ultimately the responsibility of the parent/guardians, please be prepared to make alternative care arrangements.

During certain outbreaks, it may be necessary for The Learning Tree to put into affect additional or more stringent policies and procedures for the well being of all children and families.

Parents will be notified if their child has any of the following conditions:

·         Fever of 101.0 degrees or more

·         Rash (undiagnosed)

·         Diarrhea; increased number and water content of stools

·         Vomiting one time

Children with solely these conditions will be permitted to stay at The Learning Tree. If the child worsens, becomes lethargic or other symptoms appear the parents will be notified to pick up their child.

Exclusion criteria must meet the needs and limitations of The Learning Tree.  As adapted from the Academy of Pediatrician’s report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, children with any of the conditions below must be excluded until the symptoms/conditions have been resolved and the child has been symptom free for at least 24 hours or have been on medication for 24 hours.

·         Herpes gingivostmatitis, thrush, mouth sores, or ulcers

·         Conjunctivitis

·         Children with specific infections such as but not limited to:  Pertussis, Whooping Cough, Strep Throat, head lice and scabies, Coxsackie disease, Hand, Foot and Mouth disease, Chicken Pox, impetigo, mumps, measles, Rubella, Hepatitis A

·         Influenza

·         Discolored eye, ear, or nose discharge

·         Evidence of severe illness: lethargy, unusual sleepiness, irritability, prolonged crying, inconsolability, obvious discomfort, and labored, difficult or rapid breathing, extreme or uncontrollable coughing, wheezing, poor appetite

A child may be excluded from The Learning Tree when illness and/or symptoms prevent the child from participating in activities, when the illness/symptoms result in greater care than the child care staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children, or when staff is not trained in specific methods of care.

Parents will be called to make arrangements to pick up a child too ill to remain in care.  We ask that children be picked up within one hour.  Children absent due to a contagious (or suspected contagious) disease may not return to The Learning Tree without a written clearance from a physician. Once a child returns to The Learning Tree after being absent from an illness, they must be well enough to be able to participate in all activities. Unfortunately due to staffing purposes, children can not be left inside during outdoor play.

In the case of a medical emergency, The Learning Tree has permission to administer first aid or obtain emergency medical treatment in child/ren’s best interest.

MEDICATION POLICY

The Learning Tree staff will administer prescription medications to children when the following criteria have been met:

·         A current written prescription from a doctor stating the exact dosage and frequency of the medication provided.

·         The medication is in the original container and labeled with the child’s name, current date and dosage, additional instructions, possible side effects and storage information.  A medicine spoon must be provided for any oral medication.

·         Medication parental permission forms are filled out completely on a weekly basis. Included on this form are the exact time(s) the medication is to be given and the parent/guardian’s signature.

The Learning Tree staff will administer non-prescription medications to children when the following criteria have been met:

·         Children under two years of age must have a doctor’s note stating the exact dosage and frequency of the non-prescription medication provided.

·         Children over two years of age can be administered non-prescription medication without a note from doctor as long as the medication is in the original container. Medication will be administered based on what the instructions to the medication state unless a parent requests a lesser dose.

·         Medication parental permission forms are filled out completely for non-prescription medication. Included on this form are the exact time(s) the medication is to be given and the parent/guardian’s signature.

·         A medicine spoon must be provided for any oral medication.

The Learning Tree will not follow instructions from parents that contradict the instructions of the physician.  Medication over one year old cannot be administered. 

Due to possible contamination, a Learning Tree Administrator can only administer eye and eardrops as long as a physician has prescribed it.  Genital ointment cannot be applied on children over 2 1/2 years of age.  We suggest that parents apply or administer such medication at drop-off and pick-up times.

The Learning Tree is not responsible for any lost or damaged medication.  

Medication is to be stored in a child proof locked cupboard away from children. If the medication needs to be refrigerated the medicine must be in a locked refrigerator.

INJURIES

When a child is injured, regardless of the nature of the injury, an accident report is filled out at the time of the incident.  First-Aid is administered following specific guidelines:

·         If the injury requires further evaluation and/or treatment, the parents will be notified immediately. 

·         Any time a child has a head injury, no matter how slight, a call is placed to the parent.

·         In the event of serious injury your child information card gives The Learning Tree permission to call 911. 

·         Any costs or charges for 911 emergencies will be the sole responsibility of the parent.