In recent years, more child care centers have opened their doors to working single moms, single dads and dual-income households. Leaving your child with someone you don't know is scary enough, but when there are several other children around spreading germs among each other, scary becomes scarier. Child care centers and individuals are required to follow certain health and safety guidelines to ensure your child has a happy, healthy time.
Immunizations
From birth, children undergo a series of injections to stave off certain illnesses such as polio, chicken pox, pertussis, measles, mumps and rubella. Child care in the United States is now requiring a copy of your child's shot records in order for acceptance. Child immunizations should be up to date. However, in some cases, child care facilitators give you an extended period to get them caught up if your child is behind on a few of her immunizations. Listings of required immunizations and ages are available through your child's pediatrician and online. With the dangers of complications due to influenza, most states also require flu shots once a year for your child.
Medication
When you take your child to be registered at a child care facility or independent caregiver, most of the time you're asked to fill out a medication form. This form is to make staff aware of any medicines your child is currently taking, and the dosage. If the child's medication is to be administered at the facility or home of the caregiver, this information is crucial to avoid overdose and misuse. Over-the-counter medications are now being included on these forms, and permission is required from parents for things such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, Robitussin and even acid reducers. According to the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education, certain over-the-counter medications used in the past are no longer considered safe to use in child care. For instance, syrup of ipecac can no longer be used to induce vomiting in the event that chemicals are ingested.
CPR and First Aid
Child care workers are no longer just opting to take CPR classes; the learning experience has become mandatory. Small children stick things in their mouths, causing choking hazards and making the ability to perform the Heimlich Maneuver a valuable ability. CPR covers life-saving techniques in the event of problems with breathing, heartbeat and unconsciousness. Caregivers are also required to be able to give first aid. Children tend to become rowdy and are at greater risk for broken bones and injuries where excessive bleeding can occur. Knowing how to make a splint and applying pressure to a bleeding wound until paramedics and parents arrive is crucial. First aid and CPR certifications are normally available for inspection upon request at most child care facilities.
Children with Disabilities
Facilities are required to have wide doors and wheelchair ramps for disabled children. Some facilities hire specially trained caregivers to care for these children and special-needs children such as those with autism, brain damage and behavioral disorders. Additional licensing for this level of care may be needed for the facility to accept disabled children.
Food Handling
Universal procedures for preventing the spread of germs are to be handled by all staff, especially when handling food. Some facilities don't have separate kitchen staff and rely on caregivers to cook and feed children in their daily care. Hand washing is regularly required, as is sanitation of all preparation and cooking services. The FDA has set standards instructing safe handling of foods to avoid cross-contamination and ensure your child receives nutritionally balanced meals.
