PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure communicable diseases do not spread on the premises of Happy Hearts Nursery and are contained at the right time by taking the below mentioned precautions.
DEFINITIONS
Communicable disease - A communicable disease is one that is spread from one person to another through a variety of ways that include: contact with blood and bodily fluids
POLICY STATEMENT
All staff members have been trained in the recognition of communicable disease. All staff members have also been trained in hand washing and disinfecting procedures.
If an employee is ill, he/she will be advised to stay home until all symptoms are gone.
The following are symptoms for which a child shall be discharged from the center until all symptoms are gone:
- diarrhea - more than 3 abnormally loose stools within a short period
- severe coughing, causing child to become red or blue in the face, or to make a whooping sound
- difficulty or rapid breathing
- yellowish eyes or skin
- conjunctivitis (pink-eye)
- temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit in combination with any other sign of illness
- untreated infected skin patch
- unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stools
A child with any of the following signs or symptoms of illness shall be immediately isolated from other children. Decisions regarding whether the child should be discharged immediately or at some other time during the day shall be determined by the administrator and the child's parent or guardian.
The child while Isolated at the nursery, will be carefully observed for symptoms listed:
- unusual spots or rash
- sore throat or swelling and difficulty swallowing
- elevated temperatures
- vomiting
- evidence of lice,
Any child isolated will be cared for by the nursery staff in the Nurse Room not used by other children.
They will always be within sight of the nurse and will never be unsupervised at any time. They will be kept calm and comfortable, if condition becomes worse, the parent or guardian will be notified to pick up the child. If symptoms are prolonged, and/or the condition is contagious, the child will be required to stay at home until illness has subsided. A doctor's certificate will be needed for the child to return to the nursery.
If a child shows any signs of illness or is exposed to any communicable disease, parents will be notified by phone. If a child is mildly ill, they will be able to remain with group and observe quietly until they feel they want to participate.
IMPLEMENTATION DOCUMENTS
Please refer to the following documents to ensure the effective implementation of the policy:
- Nurse Observation Form
