Daily Health Check

POLICY:

Participants will be observed for signs of illness or injury which could compromise their health and safety or the health and safety of others.

PROCEDURES:

1. NOCAC Child Development Center staff will observe participants as they enter the bus or classroom each morning and NOCAC Home-Base Staff will observe every participant at each Home Visit (HV) and/or socialization for any adverse signs indicating illness or injury. Particular attention will be given to participants who have been absent due to illness or who have been exposed to a communicable disease.
   1. Overall appearance
   2. Color/condition of skin, face and arms (pale or flushed appearance, rash or injuries)
   3. Eyes (redness, drainage, injuries, swelling or itching)
   4. Nose (drainage or discharge)
   5. Mouth (dry/cracked lips, rash/lesions on or around lips, drooling)
   6. Movement (unusual walk, limp, or overly protecting any area of the body)
2. If it is determined that a participant is not able to actively participate in the daily routine or HV due to illness, the parent will be contacted to come pick up the participant as soon as possible or HV will end.
3. NOCAC Staff observations of illness at the center will be documented on the Child Health Observation Form whether they go home or not.
   1. The white copy of the Child Health Observation form will be sent to the Health and Safety Manager at the Central Office.
   2. The yellow copy of the Child Health Observation form will be placed in the child’s center file.
4. If the participant has to be excluded, staff will make every attempt to preserve the participants self- esteem. NOCAC Staff will follow the Communicable Disease Policy when handling conditions found during a health check.
5. Participants with a short-term injury or contagious illness are temporarily excluded from program activities only when they cannot be readily accommodated for program participation or there is a significant risk to the health or safety of the participant or anyone in contact with the participant.
6. Parents receive information about this policy provided in the Family Handbook.
7. Any participant absent from the center due to illness for more than three (3) school days MAY BE required to provide proof from a physician releasing him/her to school if directed by Health & Safety Manager or Family Community Engagement Manager.
8. If NOCAC Staff suspect that the participant’s illness/injury is due to abuse and/or neglect, the participant will remain in the classroom and a Child Abuse/Neglect report to ODJFS Child Protective Services will be made immediately. Staff will follow the Child Abuse/Neglect Policy.
9. NOCAC Staff will follow the Hand Washing Policy and Sanitation Policy in all instances.

Forms and Additional Guidance:

• Child Health Observation Form
• JFS08087 Communicable Disease Chart