HEALTH AND MEDICINE
Sickness and illness is a fact of life for a child. In a preschool this can get even worse. This is normal. However if you take some sensible precautions you can avoid needless illnesses. Fall and and spring is when children fall sick the most. This is because of the changing weather conditions. So make sure your child is always well dressed and properly cared for. It will be avoid aggravation for you.
SIGNS OF ILLNESS
Signs of illness may be non specific. The child may look and act differently. There may be unusual paleness, irritability, unusual tiredness or lack of interest. Do not send your child to school on days when any of the following symptoms are present: fever, rash, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, discharge of mucous from nose or eyes.
SICKNESS GUIDELINES
Students must be 24-hour symptom free to return to school.
Your child stays home if these guidelines are exceeded..
TEMPERATURE : 100.6 Child should be without fever for 24 hours before returning to school. CONJUNTIVITIS: An eye infection commonly referred to as “pink eye “. The eye is generally red with a burning sensation and there is thick yellow drainage secreted. The eye may get stuck after sleeping. RASHES: Cannot be identified or that have not been diagnosed by a physician. BRONCHITIS/PNEUMONIA: Begins with hoarseness, cough, and slight elevation in temperature. The cough may be dry, but generally becomes painful. IMPETIGO: Skin condition (bacterial infection) that shows up as red pimples. These eventually become small fluid filled spots surrounded by reddened area. When the blister breaks, the surface is raw and weeping. HAND, FOOT, MOUTH DISEASE: Fever, mouth sores and skin rash (viral infection). The rash is commonly found on the hands and feet. Mostly common in infants and children younger than 5 years old. Incubation period 7 -10 days. DIARRHEA: Watery or greenish bowel movements that looks different and is much more frequent than usual. The school usually uses criteria of two diarrheas (BM) before calling the parents for pick up. MEASLES: Fever, runny nose, cough, rash. Period of communicability: from cough, runny nose - nine days; after rash appears - five days. Incubation period of 10 - 14 days. GERMAN MEASLES: Same symptoms as measles. Period of communicability: four days after start of rash. Incubation period 14 - 21 days. CHICKEN POX: Slight fever and rash. Period of communicability: not more than one day before nor six days after appearance of rash.Incubation period 13 - 17 days. MUMPS: Symptoms: fever, swelling, and tenderness in salivary glands. Period of communicability: seven days before symptoms until nine days after appearance of symptoms. Incubation period: 12 - 26 days. POISON OAK: Allergic reaction to poison ivy. Rash may appear 24-72 hours after exposure. It is characterized by bumps and blisters that itch. HEAD LICE: Tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. Spreads through direct transfer from hair of one person to the hair of another.
HYGIENE
Trim fingernails every five days. Check ears and clean gently. It is recommended to take a bath every day after going home from school. Clothes should be washed and clean for school. Wash your child's school blanket once a week.
MEDICATION & ANTIBIOTICS
State law requires your child’s medication to be in the original prescription container with written instructions and a signed release permitting staff to dispense the medication. The medication must be delivered to the classroom teacher by the adult, not the child. You can find the release form on our website to fill out. You can also find nebulizer administration release form on our website.
Antibiotics prescribed must be given for at least 24 hours before your child can attend school. Many illnesses are considered noncontagious after administration of 24 hours. Please ask your physician specifically and relay this information to the center's staff. Any new medication, never prescribed before, should be given for 24 hours before returning to the center.
DRESS WELL AND EAT HEALTHY
For winter, children should layer clothing to stay warm and comfortable. Start with a thin base layer like long-sleeved shirt and thin tights. Add a mid-layer like a sweater and top it off with a warm jacket or coat. Children often get hot during play time and will take off jackets. Having two layers underneath protects them for chills. Springtime when the weather starts getting warmer switch to lighter clothing but still layer them.
A good healthy diet without excess sugar is the key to prevent illness. A variety of fruits and vegetables, high quality meat and more importantly sufficient food will keep your child healthy. Please avoid junk food with food coloring and other additives.
