Health & Medicine

Please do not bring sick children to the centre. It is unfair to him/her and to the other children. A convalescing child should only return when their own doctor advises that the child is ready to do so. Our preschool program is active and full and may be too tiring for a sick child. Sick children will be sent home based on government guidelines.

If your child has become ill at daycare, you must plan what you will do, because you or someone you authorized will be called to pick up your child.

Medication will only be given if prescribed by his/her doctor. Ask the doctor for an extra note for the centre that can be clearly read. There are no exceptions, no herbal treatments, cold, cough medicine, or headache medicines will be administered. However, a parent may come to the centre and treat their child themselves.

Should a serious emergency arise, we will contact you immediately. There is a spot available on the registration form for the name of your child’s doctor, phone number, medical insurance plan and number, etc. An ambulance will be called if necessary, and these numbers will go with the medical personnel. The centre does not make medical decisions for your child, only if emergency care is required.

The parents are required by regulation to inform this centre within 24 hours of:

A. A diagnosis of a serious illness or communicable disease of their child, or
B. The exposure of their child to a serious or communicable disease in any member of their family.

The centre needs to warn other families with children in the program about the potential spread of illness or disease. The staff must also notify the Public Health Authority and follow their recommendations.

Symptoms which should exclude a child from attending as per government recommendations are as follows:

• Pain – any complaints of unexplained or undiagnosed pain
• A common cold with listlessness, runny nose and eyes, coughing and sore throat. Once your child feels better and is no longer contagious, he/she  may return with some symptoms still persisting. Generally speaking, a person can spread a cold to others even before their own symptoms appear, and about 5 days after signs begin.
• Difficulty breathing – wheezing or a persistent cough
• Fever (100 degrees F/38.3 degrees C or more) accompanied by general symptoms –such as listlessness or sluggishness—which may be an early sign of illness that may require a doctor’s attention.
• Sore throat or trouble swallowing
• Infected skin, eyes, or undiagnosed rash
• Headache or stiff neck (should see a physician)
• Unexplained diarrhea or loose stool. These may indicate a bacterial or viral gastrointestinal infection, which is very easily passed on to other children via fecal-oral route. The child should stay home till symptoms stop.
• Nausea and vomiting may be an early sign of illness.
• Severe itching, dry skin of either body or scalp if caused by head/body lice or scabies.
• Children with known or suspected childhood diseases.

In summary, a child must be kept home (or taken home) when the child has any of the above symptoms or just not well enough to take part in the program.

Ultimately, the care of a child who is ill is the parents’ responsibility.

Sunscreen and Sun Protection

Hats and other sun protective wear are supplied by the parents. Parents will provide a bottle of sunscreen, labeled with their child’s name, staff can apply if necessary. Children will be encouraged to play in the shade for part of outdoor play.

Immunization

The Government and Public Health Department strongly recommend that all children be immunized. Families that chose not to immunize will be admitted but should an outbreak occur, their children will be removed from the centre until it is safe for them to return. A doctor or public health nurse advises us on when that will be. All suspected cases are reported to the Public Health Department as per government guidelines and regulations by the staff. The Public Health Department may/will then contact the parents directly. Your consent/permission is not required, the general safety of the general public is. We will then warn all of our parents, as per government guidelines and requirements. Thank you for your understanding.

All parents required to fill in or supply immunization records for their child. (As required by section 17(a) (i). Parents choosing not to immunize their children must state that on form.

Daycare payment will be required regardless of attendance to hold your child’s spot.

• There are so many words which describe Sheila's incredible talent as a teacher and caregiver. She is loving, enthusiastic, creative, patient and so much more.

  Sheila cares for each child individually, she listens and understands each one so well. We have had two boys lucky enough to spend time at Sheila's and they have both learned so much through the monthly theme's, creative activity and play. It is obvious how much time and preparation is put into every day to make learning fun for everyone. She is a master at teaching respect, friendship and fairness to the children.

  Thank you Sheila for all you do, we don't know what we'd do without you!

  -- Ward & Nancy Ellis-Winters (Ethan and Zachary's parents)

  I can't say enough about my experience with Sheila! She is absolutely wonderful with the children. She's loving, creative, and nurturing. She monitors their behavior carefully and helps them cultivate positive communication skills even as she teaches them the importance of healthy boundaries.

  -- Brenda Gerbrandt, whose two children each attended Sheila's daycare for two years