Download our free Symptom Checker Poster at the bottom of the blog. Keep everyone healthy!
Getting parents on board with your illness policy is crucial for maintaining a healthy and safe environment within your program. When parents understand and support your program's illness policy, it minimizes disease transmission. Parents play a key role in preventing the spread of illnesses among children whether they realize it or not. When they are aware of the policy and follow its guidelines, the risk of contagious diseases spreading within the program is significantly reduced. It protects vulnerable children with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems who are more susceptible to severe illnesses. When parents adhere to the illness policy, these vulnerable children are better protected from potential infections. It will reduce disruptions caused by sick children needing to be sent home during the day, too. This benefits both the child and the childcare program. Illness policies also educate parents who may not be equipped to recognize certain illnesses or symptoms. An effective illness policy not only benefits children but also safeguards the health of all caregivers. When parents cooperate, the risk of caregivers falling ill due to contagious diseases is greatly reduced. Helping parents see the big picture is key to creating a successful illness policy. By gaining parents' support for your illness policy you can create a collaborative and health-conscious environment within your program. The collective effort between parents and caregivers significantly contributes to the overall well-being of the children and caregivers.
Performing health checks at the door is a vital practice that helps maintain a healthy and safe environment, prevents disease transmission, and ensures the well-being of all children in the facility. Here are some simple steps you can use to create your own. Remember to keep it casual but structured. It will allow parents to relax and not feel like you are putting them on the spot.
1. Greet Everyone:
Welcome parents and children warmly. Explain that you'll be conducting a quick health check when children are checked in. Say something that puts them at ease. You can say something like, well we all know it's that time of season. We are working on everyone staying healthy.
2. Temperature Check:
Use a contactless thermometer to take the child's temperature. Confirm it's below 100.4°F (38°C).
3. Symptom Inquiry:
Ask parents if the child has any symptoms like cough, fever, or runny nose. Confirm if there was any medication given. If yes, follow your sickness policy guidelines.
4. Hand Sanitization:
Provide hand sanitizer for parents and children (if safe to do so) to use before entering your program.
5. Record Information:
Keep a simple log with the child's name, time, temperature, and any reported symptoms. This lets parents know that you take healthy measures to keep everyone well!
6. Say Goodbye:
Once the health check is done, say goodbye to the parents and welcome the child into your program.
7. Continuous Vigilance:
Throughout the day, watch for any signs of illness among the children and take appropriate action if needed.
Download our FREE Symptom Checker Poster below. Don't forget parent communication is key! Create and share your illness policy with your families today. Just click on the pdf file and download. 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
The HDC Team!