Policies
Policy Statement:
The purpose of the transition Policy is to:
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Ensure that transitions are successful by building on the commonality between environment
and supporting learning and development in ways that connect with a child and their family.
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Create continuity that involves building on children’s prior and current experiences to help them feel secure, confident, and connected with people, places, events, routines, and understandings.
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Understand that all children are different and respect each child reactions to transitions.
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From working with children, families and service providers and develop skills in individualizing care for all children with or without disabilities.
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Develop a range of practices and guidelines that actively support transitions from home to care, transition routines, transition from childcare to kindergarten.
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Promote inclusive when dealing with families during transitions.
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Encourage all persons to communicate respectfully to families, children, and staff about transitions
Consideration:
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Philosophy- The service’s environment treats people equally regardless of gender, age, socio-economic status, race, language, beliefs, additional needs and family structure and lifestyle.
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Children’s needs- To be given an opportunity to grow and develop at their own rate with support of staff and families during transition routines.
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Parent’s needs- To be reassured that their child will be encouraged and supported during transitions.
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Staff needs- To communicate to families and children about transitions and ensure transitions are successful
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Management needs- The service recognizes and values the transition for the children.
Transition principles for children’s services
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Transitions occur in many different times throughout a child’s life. Transition usually begins when children are very young, for example a child moves from home to daycare, or from parent to grandparent. As children get older, they may attend kindergarten and then go to school.
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Children’s transitions impact children, families, and staff.
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Just Like Holmes will be accessible and support children and families during the transitions.
The Staff/ owner is responsible for:
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Identifying, if additional supports is required for the children in transition (consulting with families) especially children with special needs.
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Ensuring all information about the transitioning child is given to Provider/ staff.
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To plan and implement a program which incorporates transition process for the children with and without disabilities, families, and staff.
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The daycare will plan for resources, support, and educate necessary to increase the understanding and knowledge of staff, but also parents/guardians, and the children without disabilities within the daycare. Every effort will be made to plan fully to include children with disabilities and children with special health care needs to maximize success.
Transition Procedure:
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Children who begin at Just Like Holmes program may require a transition period of a few days. Typically, the child visits with the parents for an hour on the first day, then spends two-three hours the next couple of days, then a half-day towards full integration. The period of integration may be shorter or longer, dependent on the child’s ability to cope within the program.
All staff are responsible for:
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Working collaboratively with parents/guardians/other professionals to implement the transition program provided for the child with or without special needs. These may include technology-dependent children and children with serious and severe chronic medical problems.
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Reporting and discussing any concerns about the transition process regarding a child with parents/guardian.
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Staff/caregiver may need to seek professional guidance and obtain appropriate training from professionals, brochures, books, guest speakers and childcare health consultants. In-order to include with special needs, such as children with severe disabilities and children with special health care needs.
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Every effort will be made to achieve inclusion if the parent/guardian wishes,
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Ensuring that confidentiality is always complied with.
The parent/guardians will:
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Share information about their child and their child’s concerns about the transition process within the daycare.
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Raise any issues/concerns they have about their child’s participation in the transition program to the provider/staff.
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Communication
Effective communication is of the utmost importance. When a new family is accepted into our center, we like to be sure that we can share openly about any concerns or questions that may arise. It is important that there is a similar childcare philosophy between the daycare and the parents. We welcome questions, feedback, or discussions of any kind that are oriented towards a positive outcome for the children. Sensitive issues will be discussed in private at a mutually beneficial time.
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Enrollment
There are several forms that make up Just like Holmes enrollment packet. This enrollment packet must be completed and, in our possession, before we can assume the responsibility of caring for your child. This is to ensure that your child will get the very best care possible and satisfies the record keeping requirement of the state licensing guidelines. All forms will be reviewed every six months.
If you have any questions regarding the completion of these forms, please feel free to ask the director.
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Tuition
Last week security deposit: each parent when enrolling must pay an amount equal to one week’s childcare as a last week of care security deposit. This payment may be made in installments but must be paid in full within 30 days of enrolling. Your specific rates will be outlined in your contract and rates agreement. Full time rates are $230.00 per week. Tuition is due no later than 12 Noon on Wednesday of each week for the week of daycare unless another agreement has been agreed upon. Payment may be made by check, money order or cash. There will be a late fee of $20 for failure to pay by noon on Wednesday. An additional $10 (total $30) will be charged if payment is not made by closing time Friday. Repeated late payments may be grounds for termination and parents who are late on payments will be denied childcare until account is made current. We ask you to consider how you would feel if your employer came to you on your expected payday and told you that your paycheck would be delayed?
The success of our center depends upon the prompt payment of tuition/fee to take care of day-to day expenses that are encountered. Tuition and fees are computed with the following factors in mind:
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Food, health supplies, crafts/activity/supplies, toys, computers, play equipment and books provided for children
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Outside play equipment
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Employee’s continuing education
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Employee wages
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Liability insurance, heat, electricity. Telephone and maintenance
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Additional time spent, each day, on record keeping, parent- provider communication, clean up from daycare, and shopping trips for food and supplies
Pandemic: We do not expect you to pay tuition for these days when JLH is closed. However, we do prayerfully ask if your family is able to continue to donate at your own will, we would greatly appreciate anything that you are able to give. Please write ‘’ Donation” in the Memo section of the check. Donations to JLH will allow us to give staff some compensation during the difficult time. We do understand that these times are pressing for many, therefore payment of tuition while we are closed is not a requirement or expectation.
Parent Vacation: You must continue to pay your tuition on your vacation to hold your daycare spot.
Maternity leave: To hold a spot you must continue to pay while you are on maternity leave.
Child sick: you must continue to pay your tuition when you keep your child home due to being out sick.
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Bounce Checks
If a check is returned for non-sufficient funds, there will be a $30 fee incurred because of the returned check, as well as any incurred fees from bank. Childcare services may be halted until full payment of tuition and NSF charges has been made. In addition, upon the second returned check Just like Holmes will no longer accept checks from customer for payment.
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Late Fees
A $5.00 per minute late pickup fee will be assessed for all children picked up after designated pick-up time. This must be paid in cash at the time of pick up, or before the child’s next scheduled day. This will be strictly enforced, and habitual tardiness may result in termination of services.
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Hours of Operation
Full time care is considered from 30-40 hours per week. Your tuition covers up to 9 hours daily, any time over will result in a $25 Add- on fee. Schedule changes may be accepted to our daily scheduled only if there is a position open for the day, and they will be accepted on first come, first served basis. Please remember that schedule changes of this nature create some disruption to our normal schedule. We would appreciate as much notice as possible, so that we can plan for meals, sleeping arrangements, and any changes in activities that may occur.
We maintain an open-door policy for parents during daycare hours. This means that parents are always welcome to call and or facetime to see their children. We would appreciate you taking into consideration our schedule when calling and remember that visitors usually cause children to react in an excited manner. If you call during the day, please be aware that we may be busy with the children and may not be able to answer the phone. If you would leave a message, we will call you back as soon as possible.
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Arrivals and departures
Children are to arrive clean and fed (unless arriving just before mealtime). We will try our best to send your child home with a clean diaper and would appreciate the same consideration when you drop off.
Children must arrive for care before 9:45 am. We follow a schedule and preschool curriculum. Late drop offs can be disruptive to our program.
It is normal for some children to have difficulty separating from parents, or cry when dropping off. Please make your drop off brief, the longer you prolong the departure, the harder it gets. A smile, cheerful goodbye kiss, and a reassuring word that you will be back is all needed. In my experience, children are nearly always quick to get involved in play or activities as soon as parents are gone. Please be brief at pick-up times, as well. This is a time of testing, when two different authority figures are present (the parent and the provider). All children will test to see if the rules still apply. During arrival and departure, we expect parents to back up our rules. Please be in control of your child during pick times.
Our normal procedure is to release the child only to his/her parents, or someone else the parents designate on the Authorize pick up and Emergency Contact Form If someone other than the parents is to pick up the child, please notify us ahead of time. A verbal notice is fine on that day, if this person is on the list of people who are authorized to pick up your child. If the person is NOT on the list, we MUST have a written permission to release your child. Please inform us in-order to update your emergency contacts, or people designated to pick up your child, that if we do not know them then we will need to ask for identification. This is not meant to offend them. This is simply a measure taken for the child’s protection. Drop off and pick up are not good times to discuss serious problems. Little ears and minds hear and understand everything. Your director can set up a time where the issues can set up a time where the issues can be discussed in private.
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Sign IN/OUT
It is required by state law that all parents sign their child in and out each day. For your convenience, a sign in/out sheet, pen, and a clock are located by the door, this give us a written record of the child’s attendance, hours and the person who brought/picked up the child each day.
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Absence
Childcare fees are based on enrollment (a reserved space), not on attendance. To maintain a reserved space, fees must be paid during the absence of a child due to illness, holidays, vacation, or for any other reason.
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Holidays
The following is a list of the holidays that Just Like Holmes Daycare will be closed:
* Good Friday (closes at 330)
*May 5th (Staff training Day)
*Memorial Day
*Patriots Day (staff training Day)
*Independence Day
*Labor Day
*Columbus Day (Staff training Day)
*Thanksgiving Day and the day after
*Christmas eve (all centers close at 3:00 pm)
*Winter Break December 25- January 1st
* Annual summer vacation week
11. Clothing/Attire
Children should arrive dressed for play. We like to have fun! Having fun involves outdoor play and lots of messy activities, so make sure that your child is dressed appropriately. You will be expected to supply an art smock to protect clothes from paint or other art materials and expect them to be spotless when you arrive to pick them up. Clothing should be comfortable and seasonally appropriate for outdoor play. Make sure to include hats, mittens, boots, and coats for cold weather.
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Personal Belongings
We prefer that children do not bring toys from home unless it is something that can be shared with the entire group (i.e. books, video, etc.) Little one has a difficult time sharing with others, and it is even harder with their own toys, if toys are brought, please note that they may be put away, if they are the cause of disagreements among the children. Exception to this policy will be that a child may bring a favorite sleepy toy for naptime only, and toys may be brought for show and tell activities. We are not responsible for any loss or breakage of personal items. All personal items must be clearly marked with the child’s name.
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Supplies
Parents must supply the following items to be kept in their child’s cubby
Diapers, wipes, pull-up, powder/ointment, binkies (preferably on a binkie string), bottles, bibs, saline drops/gel and nasal syringe, blanket for rest time, and a complete change of clothes (replace when soiled), sunscreen & bug spray).
All personal belongings should be marked with your child’s name. Eating utensils, cups and dishes will be supplies. If any of these items are bought, they must be marked with your child’s name, to avoid mix-ups with other children.
Donations help us keep cost down, so if you have any of the following items on hand and willing to donate them, it would be greatly appreciated. This is not mandatory.
*Dress up clothing, costumes, jewelry, hats, etc.
*Paper of any kind, brown, white, colored, wax, foil, etc.
*Crayon, watercolor paints, or any misc. a paper supplies, such as fabrics scraps, glitter, pipe cleaners,
Paper plates, etc.
IDEAS! We welcome any ideas that you may have for activities or crafts!!!
14. Infants and Toddlers
Infants and toddlers will not necessarily follow the same schedule as the preschoolers. They are not capable of sitting still for circle time, may need a morning nap, etc. Infants are always fed on demand. Breast feeding infants need to have an adequate supply stocked and properly labeled. Toddlers usually eat meals and snacks on a set meal schedule.
A report will be prepared for each infant/Toddler each day. It will include things such as, time of feedings, what was eaten, amount eaten, time of diaper checks and results, times of naps, any medication given, and various comments about the child’s day.
(Standard 3.5.0.1) Care Plan for children with special needs:
Children with special health care needs are defined as” those who have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally”
Any child who meets these criteria should have a Routine and Emergent Care Plan completed by their primary care provider in their medical home. In the Health Repot, there should be:
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A list of the child’s diagnosis/diagnoses
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Contact information for the Primary care provider and any other relevant sub-specialists
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Medications to be administered on a schedule basis
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Medications to be administered on an emergent basis with clearly stated parameters, sign and systems that warrant giving the medications written in lay language,
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Procedures to be performed
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Allergies
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Dietary modification required for the health of the child
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Activity modifications
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Environmental modifications
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Stimulus that initiates or precipitates a reactions (triggers) to avoid
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Symptoms for caregiver/staff to observe
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Behavioral modifications
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Emergency response plan-both if the child has medical emergency and special factors to consider in programmatic emergency, like a fire
A care plan for children with special health care needs to be completed, which should be:
Updated after every hospitalization or significant change in health status of the child. The Care plan is completed by the primary care provider in the medical home with input from parents/gradians, and it is implemented in the childcare sitting. The childcare health consultant should be involved to assure adequate information, training, and monitoring is available for the childcare staff.
(Standard 3.6.3.1): Medication Administration
The administration of medicines at just like Holmes should be limited to:
Prescription or non-prescription medication (over the counter) ordered by the prescribing health professional for a specific child with written permission of the parent/guardian. Written orders from the prescribing health professional should specify medical need, medication, dosage, and length of time to give medication.
Labeled medications brought to the childcare facility by the parent/guardian in the original container (with a label that includes the child’s name, date filled, prescribing clinician’s name, pharmacy name and phone number dosage/instructions, and relevant warning).
Just like Holmes staff will not administer folk or homemade remedy medications or treatment, staff will not administer a medication that is prescribed for one child in the family to another child in the family.
No prescription or non -prescription medication (OTC) should be given to any child without written orders from a prescribing health professional and written permission from a parent/guardian. Exception: Non-prescription sunscreen and insect repellent always require parental consent but do not require instructions from each child’s prescribing health professional.
Documentation that the medicine/agent is administered to the child as prescribed is required.
Standing orders guidance should include directions for facilities to be equipped, staffed, and monitored by the primary care provider capable of having the special health care plan modified as needed. Standing orders for medication should only be allowed for individual children with a documented medical need if a special care plan is provided by the child’s primary care provider has provided specific instructions that define the children, conditions and methods for administration of the medication. Signature from the primary care provider and one of the child’s parents/guardians must be obtained on the special care plan. Care plans should be updated as needed, but at least yearly.
15. Daily Schedule
The kid enjoys a structured schedule that allows for flexibility. A schedule helps the day to flow more smoothly and allows the children to anticipate upcoming events. We will adhere to our written schedule to the best of our ability. There will be times when we must adjust the schedule. We appreciate families considering our schedule when picking up or dropping off children. It is better if arrivals and departures do not occur during quiet time, but when they do, please take note of the fact that children may be sleeping. Come and go as quietly and quickly as possible. Children who arrive during quiet time will be expected to rest or play quietly until the rest period is over.
We thank you for the information you filled out for us regarding your kids’ individual needs and schedule. It will help us get to know your child better.
Our daily schedule, while very flexible, is as follows:
6:00 -8:45 A.M: Center opens -free play
9:00-9:30 A.M.- Breakfast
9:30-10:30 A.M.- Circle time
10:30 A.M. -Structured activities (preschool program)
11:30 A.M. - Gross motor play (outside weather permitting)
11:45 A.M. - Story time/wash-up for lunch
12:00 P.M. - Lunchtime
12:45 P.M. -Naptime
3:00 P.M. – Afternoon Snack
3:30 P.M. – Gross motor play (outside weather permitting)
5:00-5:30 P.M. – Free Play
5:30-6 P.M, - Center Closes
16. Nutrition and food service
Just Like Holmes recognizes the importance of healthy eating for the normal growth and development of young children and is committed to supporting the healthy food and drink choices of children in their care.
Further, Just Like Holmes recognizes the importance of supporting families to provide healthy food and drink for their children.
Meals will consist of breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack. Children who arrive after meals times should be fed before they arrive. Menus will be posted on the bulletin board just inside the door. Copies of the menu are provided to parents upon request. We prefer that children do not bring food, drinks, etc. from home unless requested. Children tend to think the “grass is greener…” when they see someone eating something different from them. We will honor a parent’s religious or philosophical objections to a menu items and the parent can substitute any objectionable item from home.
It is our belief that infants should be fed on demand. If parents have another feeding schedule in mind, we will need to discuss, so that the infant’s needs will be adequately met.
If your child has allergies, and requires a modified diet, we must be notified of this in writing. We will need to have a physician’s written instructions describing any foods the child is not permitted to eat. An appropriate substitution will be made, if possible. If child has so many allergies that he/she cannot eat from our menu, we may require the parent to provide his/her lunch and snacks.
We never force a child to finish what is on his/her plate, but we do encourage each child to try one or two bites of everything. Sometimes they are surprised by what they like! All eating patterns will be communicated to parents.
If food is brought in from home:
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Provide information to families on the types of food and drink recommended for children and suitable for children’s lunchboxes.
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Encourage children to eat the more nutritious foods provided in their lunchbox, such as sandwiches (including crusts), fruit, cheese, and yogurt, before eating any less nutritious food provided.
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Discourage the provision of highly processed snack foods high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar and low in essential nutrients in children’s lunchboxes. Examples of these foods include chocolates, breakfast bars, fruit filled bars, chips, oven-baked crackers, and corn chips.
(Standard 4.2.0.10) Care for Children with food allergies:
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Be aware of children with food allergies, food intolerances and special dietary needs.
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Each child with a food allergy should have a care plan prepared for the day-care by the child’s
Primary care provider, to include:
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Written instruction regarding the food to which the child is allergic and steps that need to be taken to avoid that food.
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A detailed treatment plan to be implemented in the event of an allergic reaction, including names, dose, and methods of administration of any medications that the child should receive in the event of a reaction. The plan should include specific symptoms that would indicate the need to administer one or more medications
Based on the plan the child’s care plan, the child’s caregiver/staff will receive a training, demonstrate competence in, and implement measure for:
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Preventing exposure to the specific food to which the child is allergic.
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Recognizing the system of an allergic reaction
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Treating allergic reactions
Parents/guardians and staff should arrange for the facility to have necessary medications, proper storage of such medications, and the equipment and training to manage the child’s food allergy while the child is at the daycare.
Caregiver/staff should promptly and properly administer prescribed medications in the event of an allergic reaction according to the instructions in the care plan.
Staff should notify the parents/ guardians immediately of any suspected allergic reaction, the ingestion of the problem food, or contact with problem food, even if reaction did not occur.
The staff should recommend to the family that the child’s primary care provider be notified if the child has required treatment by the facility for a food allergic reaction.
The Staff should contact the emergency medical services system immediately whenever epinephrine has been administered.
Individual child’s food allergies should be posted prominently in the classroom where staff can view and/or wherever food is served.
Provide food to children that has been stored, prepared, and served in a safe and hygienic manner and promote hygiene food practices.
The service will:
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Ensures children and staff wash and dry their hands (using soap, warm running water and single use or disposable towels) before handling food or eating meals and snacks. Children’s hand-washing practices are always observed.
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Discourages children from handling other children’s food and utensils.
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Ensures food-handling staff attend appropriate training courses and pass relevant information on to the rest of the staff.
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Has a comprehensive Food Safety Policy that is used to guide all aspects of safe food handling practice at the service.
Provide a positive eating environment which reflects cultural and family values.
The service will:
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Ensure that staff sit with the children at meal and snack times to role model healthy food and drink choices and actively engage children in conversations about the food and drink provided.
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Recognize, nurture and celebrate the dietary differences of children from all cultures and backgrounds.
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Create a relaxed atmosphere at mealtimes where children have enough time to eat and enjoy their food as well as enjoying the social interactions with the caregiver and other children.
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Respect each child’s appetite. If a child is not hungry or is satisfied, educators do not insist he/she eats.
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Be patient with messy or slow eaters.
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Encourage children to try different / new foods but will not force them to eat.
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We will not use food as a reward or withhold food from children for disciplinary purpose.
17. Cleanliness and Hygiene
We do our best to maintain strict cleanliness and hygiene standards. Children’s hands are washed before and after meals and after toileting. We use paper towels for drying hands, so children do not have to use the same towels. If parents provide a toothbrush and toothpaste, teeth will be brushed as well. All employees are required to wash their hands frequently and use antibacterial gel.
Infants sleep in separate cribs or pack and plays, nap mat with clean sheets used only by them. Beginning at toddlers age, washable nap mats are used. Each child has a separated nap cot; with a sheet and blanket that are washed weekly (unless soiled, then they are washed as often as necessary) and cot are wiped with disinfectant weekly. Children use separate cups, plates, bowls and eating utensils that have been thoroughly washed. Highchair trays, etc. are disinfect toilet seats and clean potty chairs between each use.
18. Fire Drills
We are required by state law to do 1 fire drill per every 3 months at each location. We vary the time of day to help the staff and children prepare to evacuate the building quickly and safely. We will not do fire drills when the temperature is below 20 degrees or above 85 degrees. Evacuation cribs with wheels are used to transport infants and non-walking toddlers to the emergency meeting area.
19. Toilet Training
When you feel, your child is ready for toilet teaching, we ask that you begin this teaching at home during a weekend or vacation. We will follow through and encourage your child while in our care. The child must be showing signs of readiness. When a child is ready, the process should go quickly. The child must be kept in pull-ups or 5-ply training pants always. Putting a child in diapers part time, and training pants part time, can be confusing and delay the training process. Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child from responding to urge to use the potty, more so than at your home. Therefore, we may continue to use diapers or pull-ups until your child can and will announce that he/she must use the bathroom (not just at home, but here, as well) and can control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond that announcement.
Parents need to supply training pants with plastic pants or pull-ups plus a couple of extra changes of clothing each day (don’t forget the socks!).
During toilet training, we ask that the child be dressed in “user friendly” clothing, as much as possible. The best items are shorts and pants with elastic waists, or dresses. Try to avoid tight clothing, pants with snaps and zippers, and overalls. These are difficult for children to remove “in a hurry”.
20. Nap Time
There will be a designated nap/rest time each day. All children must nap, rest, read or play quietly during this period. Rest time gives children a much-needed break during the day. Without rest time, some children are argumentative in the afternoon, short-tempered with others, and not real happy when they go home in the evening.
Infants nap at varying times and their schedules will be accommodated. Somewhere between
12 and 18 months, children usually drop down to one nap per day. Now, we will attempt to put them on the scheduled nap/rest period.
21. Parental Involvement
There will be times and ways you can get involved in your future child’s daycare experience. You are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any of these. Some examples of ways to be involved include:
*Lending objects for unit of study
*Coming and talking about your job, when asked
*Helping your child at home with the concepts we are studying here (see monthly newsletter)
*Helping your child prepare for “Show and Tell”
*Helping to provide treats or other items for parties
22. Activities/ Curriculum
Our main objective is to have fun, improve social skills, and encourage creative expression. We will utilize a variety of activities to accomplish this goal. Free play, computer programs, reading, arts and crafts, music/singing, dancing, dramatic play/pretend, puzzles, and educational TV/ videos are just some of the activities we will be doing.
Music helps to develop young brains and will play music during other activities, for example, during arts and crafts or mealtimes. Some of the music we will be using may include, classical, children’s songs (by a variety of artists), foreign language tapes and others.
Television will be used as a tool to help children unwind and relax. We usually watch no more than one hour of television per day, and some days none. The exception may be on rainy days, or if we are having a particularly difficult day. Viewing will be limited to PBS and child-friendly, educational-style videos, such as Caillou, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Arthur, etc. We carefully screen everything the children watches and watch along with the children. We avoid any type of graph images, potentially frightening images, impressionable. We prefer to err on the conservative side when choosing appropriate viewing. Children of all ages will be taught age appropriate curriculum daily.
23. Parent Conferences
Parent- teacher conferences will be held every six months to discuss your child’s strengths, as age appropriate. As, well as developmental milestones. We will also give you recommendations as to what you can do at home to help your child grow and develop. You may request additional conferences regarding your child’s progress at any time to communicate any concerns.
24. Individualize Education Plan/ Individual Service Plan
Just Like Holmes Daycare works with organizations outside our program with prior approval from the parent/guardian. Examples of IEP’s include speech therapists, early intervention specialists. Let the Director know if you are working with any of these services at enrollment or as soon as possible.
25. Ratio
At no time will a child be left unattended.
26. Daycare Rules
There are certain daycare rules that all children will be taught and expected to follow. This is for the safety and well -being of everyone. In addition, we realize that we must expect a certain amount of wear and tear where children are concerned, we do not want to have out center “demolished”.
There will be no running permitted in the house. Hitting, pushing, biting, grabbing, kicking, spitting, or pinching other children/infants/adults will NOT be allowed. No standing or climbing on chairs or tables. There will be no use of obscene, derogatory, or disrespectful language.
Children may not walk around the center with food, cups, or bottles. Respectful treatment of other people and all property, toys, and furniture is expected. Willful destruction of property will be charged to the parent at the cost to replace the item. Please support us in the enforcement of these rules, to create a better environment for all (see Departure and Arrival).
27. Reporting Requirements
As a childcare program, we are mandated reporters to the Department of Human Services if we feel a child is being abused or neglected. Always be sure to let your director know when you drop your child off if he/she has any unexplained cuts or bruises. All children that come to daycare with injuries have them logged into the child’s file.
If you ever feel that Just Like Holmes Daycare is not operating in a safe manner, please bring the matter to our attention. If you desire a copy of the state licensing guidelines, we will be happy to supply you one. We are proud to say we do our best to follow state licensing guidelines to the letter. Our staff is highly trained in knowing and complying with all applicable state and local laws. If you observe something that you know is a violation of state licensing laws, you can report the incident by calling the Department of Human Services.
28. Indoor/Outdoor Play
Indoor play: We provide a variety of age-appropriate toys for indoor play. Toys may be rotated or placed temporarily out of use so that the children do not become bored. Younger children have less-developed organizational skills and can get easily frustrated or upset when there are too many toys to choose from. It is also more difficult for them to help with clean up when there are toys everywhere, because it is so overwhelming to them. For this reason, during free play times, each child may select one or two things at a time to play with. They will show how to put those things away before selecting something else.
Outdoor play: We will be playing outdoors every day that weather permits. Please make sure that your child is appropriately dressed (see Clothing/Attire section) for outdoor play all times. Our activities will include walks, playground, water play (sprinkler in summer), and others. We do not go outside when the temperature is below 20 degrees (including wind chill), or above 90 degrees (including heat index). We are mandated by state law to take the children outside. Parents who feel that their child is not well enough to participate in outdoor activities must keep them out of daycare until they are able to participate in all activities.
29. Discipline
WE maintain a positive discipline policy, which focuses on prevention, redirection, love, consistency, and firmness. We stress two main patterns of behavior: respect for other people and respect for property. The children are explained the rules of the center frequently, so they are all familiar with the guidelines. Please keep in mind that there WILL be disagreements between children. Young children have a tough time expressing their feelings. Sometimes they hit, throw toys, bite, etc. We will try to prevent problems, redirect when appropriate, discuss inappropriate behavior, encourage making amends when offense involves another person, and sometimes withdraw privileges based on the principles of “natural consequences”. An example might be where a child is misusing a toy then he/she will not be allowed to play with the toy for a period. The use of time outs will be rare except when a brief cooling off period are is needed. Sometimes when children are fighting or throwing toys, we will put the toy in a brief time out, and then bring it back into circulation a little later. This seems to work better than giving the child a time out.
Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES will there be any spanking, physical abuse, verbal abuse, name calling, or isolation used. Neither food nor sleep will ever be withheld from children as a means of punishment.
If a discipline problem arises that does not respond to the above-mentioned techniques, we will hold a conference with the parents. Together, we will try to find a solution. You may be called to remove your child if his/her behavior prevents us from being able to properly care for the other children. If the problem continues, other arrangements for the care of the child will have to be made, for the safety and well- being of all.
30. Illness
Just Like Holmes Daycare is a “well-childcare Facility”, At no time do we provide sick childcare. The following illness policies will be strictly enforced, for the health, well -being and safety of all concerned.
Sick Child Policy: Under no circumstances may a parent bring a sick child to daycare, if the child shows any signs of illness (see SYMPTOMS REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CHILD FRM CHILD CARE) or is unable to participate in the normal routine and regular daycare program. Sick children will expose all children and staff members who they come in contact with. These people can in turn expose the other children. Sick children want care from their parents in the comfort of their own homes. If other children become ill due to exposure to your sick child, either because he/she was returned to day care before full recovery or because he/she was not picked up promptly upon notice of becoming ill, other parents will be unnecessary inconvenienced. Because this is disruptive to the other children and their families, your cooperation on this issue is extremely important.
Every effort is taken to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see Cleanliness and Hygiene).
If your child is unable to participate in the normal activities of the daycare (including being able to play outside), then your child MUST stay home.
Children will be visually screened when they arrived in the morning. In the event a child becomes ill and needs to be picked up, the parent(s) will be called and expected to come picks the child up within one hour (60 minutes). If the parents(s) cannot be reached, or have not arrived within an hour, the emergency contact person will be called and asked to come pick the child up.
For the benefit of our staff and the other children in our care, a sick child will not be permitted to return to care for 24 hours after condition has returned to normal. The child may return 24-48 hours (depending upon the illness) after they have received the first dose of an antibiotic. If a child receives an antibiotic for an ear infection, he/she may return to daycare immediately if he/she has been free of other symptoms mentioned for at least 24 hours. If you are not sure about whether to bring your child to care, please call your onsite director to discuss it. Allergy related symptoms, and non-communicable illnesses do not require exclusion if you have a note from your doctor.
Symptom requiring removal of child from day care:
*fever AND sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability, or confusion.
*Diarrhea: runny, watery, bloody stools, or 2 or more loose stools within last 4 hours.
*Vomiting: 2 or more times in a 24-hour period. Note: please do not bring your child if they have vomited in the night.
*Breathing troubles, sore throat, swollen glands, loss of voice, hacking or continuous coughing.
*Runny nose (other than clear), draining eyes or ears.
*Frequent scratching of body or scalp, lice, rash, or any other spots that resemble childhood disease, including ringworm.
*Child is irritable, continuously crying, or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health, safety, or well-being of the other children in our care.
Just a note: Many times, our childcare may get blamed for illness of a child, meaning that we have “allowed” sick children to come here. Parents may not stop to think when sick children are bought to our center, our entire staff is also at risk of exposure. How would you feel if another parent bought their sick child and exposed your child? We STRESS this again—if you are not sure whether it is okay to bring your child, please call ahead to ask us. We may require a doctor’s decision as not the child is contagious. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
31. Medical Emergencies
Minor bumps and scratches are inevitable, but we make every effort to keep the children safe through supervision and childproofing. Minor injuries receive appropriate first aid, and if emergency injury or illness occurs, you will be contacted as soon as possible. If necessary, your child will be taken to the nearest hospital where you will be asked to meet us. If you are not going to be at your usual place of employment, or at home, please make sure that we have a number where you can be reached.
Parents are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation, if required. The owner of Just Like Holmes Daycare, will not be held liable for any sickness/injury of either patent/guardian or child while on these premises.
32. Inclusion Policy
“All Individuals must be treated equally, regardless of their race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion,
Sex, age, or mental or physical disabilities. “Providers are required to accommodate special needs,
Including those of people with disabilities, short of undue hardship.”
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To grow, develop and learn.
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Friendship building and social inclusion.
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Parental employment, training, respite and support.
Procedures:
All volunteers/staff of Just Like Holmes Daycare, Inc. understand and agree to support inclusive practices as outlined in the Inclusion Policy.
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Training: All volunteers/staff attend special needs- focused training opportunities in effective inclusive programming whenever possible.
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Programming: Volunteers/staff adapts the environment and routines as necessary to meet the needs of the children enrolled. Staff develops flexible programming that can be adapted as needed.
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Confidentiality: Just like Holmes staff is responsible for ensuring that confidentiality about special needs is maintained for all families and staff in the program.
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Partnerships: Just Like Holmes daycare, Inc. will work collaboratively with parents and outside service provider to ensure that the needs of the children are met. We will, with the consent of the parents, refer Children to outside service providers when we feel, or the parents feel, that a child may require additional supports.
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Admission: All families interested in registering their child are treated with dignity and respect, fair and equitable manner for their individual needs and or differences.
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Transitions: Children with special needs may require extra supports when transitioning to a new activity or age group. It is preferred that children that move to a new activity/ age group as their same age as their peers.
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Termination Policy: If the daycare is having difficulties meeting the child’s needs, we will ensure that:
1. All Families asked to withdraw are dealt with in a fair and equitable manner.
2. The notice of withdrawal is consistent with the termination Policy of the daycare
and is the same for all families.
3. Reasonable care has been taken in assessing the child’s needs and the program’s
ability to support those needs.
4. Special needs resources and outside agency support have been exhausted prior to The
Termination Policy
Special Facilities
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Just Like Holmes Daycare, Inc. is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair accessible bathroom
Facilities. When a child requires assistance with personal care, it will be done in a private and dignified manner. Where possible, we will adapt resources in our program and will move furniture to create a positive safe environment, ensuring all areas are accessible for all children.
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33.Termination Policy
We reserve the right to terminate a child for the following reasons (but not limited to):
*Failure to pay
*Routinely late picking up your child
*Failure to complete the required forms
*Lack of parental cooperation
*Physical or verbal abuse of any person or property
*Our inability to meet the child’s needs
*Lack of compliance with handbook regulations
*Serious illness of child
We appreciate as much notice as possible when terminating and will give the same courtesy in return. Parents are required to give 30 days’ written notice when they decide to terminate childcare. The thirty days will be paid in full, regardless of whether the child is in attendance.
We will give the same courtesy when terminating care for which full tuition is due, whether the child is in attendance or not. The provider reserves the right to give written notice of immediate termination where there are extreme circumstances that affect the well-being of the provider or other children in attendance.
Anyone who terminates daycare and has a balance that is outstanding will need to have the account settled within 30 days. All account not settled within 30 days will be turned over to a collections agency regardless of amount owned. All accounts turned over will have a $20 per week late fee plus 35% collections fee added to amount due.
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Preparing Just Like Holmes for Pandemic Influenza
The following strategies are useful to enable childcare programs for a pandemic or seasonal influenza outbreak.
Communication
During a pandemic, a strong connection between childcare and public health leaders is critical because recommendations and communication strategies evolve rapidly. Early education and childcare programs need to be aware of existing mechanisms for information dissemination and decision-making. Preparing effectively involves the following tasks:
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Compiling a list of key contacts and their e-mail and phone numbers.
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Assigning responsibilities for who will call whom in what circumstances.
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Distinguishing a “telephone tree” for information sharing from an alert system.
Training
Training sessions on influenza can achieve the following objectives:
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Improve day-to-day preparedness.
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Identify response plans for active outbreaks or pandemics.
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Engage local pediatricians, health department representatives, and qualified childcare health consultants in child care health and safety.
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Keep staff informed of ongoing community preparedness efforts.
The handout on Preparing Child Care Programs for Infectious Disease Outbreaks or Pandemic Influenza offers more information.
Steps for Improving Preparedness:
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Develop a written emergency/disaster plan that includes a process and timeline for updating this document.
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Maintain a list of community contacts and establish a call system with lists of key phone numbers in advance to communicate during an emergency.
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Identify “trusted sources” of health information (e.g., CDC, health department, child care health consultant, community pediatricians).
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Determine who will monitor and report back on key findings.
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Develop a process for sharing key information with staff, parents, and children during an emergency.
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Prepare handouts for staff and parents in advance.
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Discuss the process for ordering supplies (and maintaining inventory) during times of staff absences or when there is an increased need for certain hygiene or cleaning supplies.
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Use seasonal influenza as an opportunity to practice preparedness and response efforts.
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Collaborate with community partners on preparedness activities or contingency planning.
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Review criteria for and steps involved in facility closure.
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Implement steps to support families and employees in the development of personal preparedness plans.
Strategies
In addition to the steps described above, child care programs should be encouraged to implement these new strategies to enhance preparedness:
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Provide seasonal influenza immunizations on site at the child care facility.
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Collaborate with nearby centers on the use of substitutes, mass supply ordering, and/or training.
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Create a Web site or answering service message to provide updates.
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Form a team that includes a child care health consultant and/or local public health representative to make decisions during an outbreak or pandemic.
In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) completed a needs assessment of 1500 licensed child care centers. Results show that more can be done to prepare the early education and child care community for a pandemic influenza. Top choices for improving preparedness were participation in training sessions, use of print materials, and access to downloadable or interactive Web-based tools.
Disaster Preparedness Standards
Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, 3rd Edition has the following standards related to influenza and H1N1.
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Standard 3.1.1.1.: Conduct of Daily Health Check
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Standard 3.2.2.2.: Handwashing Procedure
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Standard 3.2.3.2.: Cough and Sneeze Etiquette
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Standard 3.3.0.1.: Routine Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting
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Standard 3.6.1.1.: Inclusion/Exclusion/Dismissal of Children
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Standard 3.6.1.2.: Staff Exclusion for Illness
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Standard 3.6.1.4.: Infectious Disease Outbreak Control
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Standard 3.6.2.1.: Exclusion and Alternative Care for Children Who Are Ill
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Standard 7.2.0.1.: Immunization Documentation
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Standard 7.2.0.3.: Immunization of Caregivers/Teachers
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Standard 7.3.3.1.: Influenza Immunizations for Children and Caregivers/Teachers
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Standard 7.3.3.2.: Influenza Control
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Standard 7.3.3.3.: Influenza Prevention Education
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Standard 9.2.4.3.: Disaster Planning, Training, and Communications
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Standard 9.2.4.4.: Written Plan for Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza
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Standard 9.4.1.2.: Maintenance of Records
Resources
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Family Emergency Plan (FEMA)
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FLU.gov – Managed by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
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Flu Advice for Child Care Providers (Washington Coalition for Safety and Health in Early Learning)
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H1N1 Flu: Resources for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs (CDC)
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Impact of requiring Influenza Vaccination for Children in Licensed Child Care of Preschool Programs (CDC)
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Influenza Prevention and Control: Strategies for Early Education and Child Care Programs​ (AAP)
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Letter with influenza information that can be customized by each center/program to share with parents ​s – PDF / Word Document​ [log in to download] (AAP)​
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Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools: A Quick Reference Guide, Second Edition – Hand Hygiene and Outbreaks, Epidemics, and Other Infectious Disease Emergencies (AAP)
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Pandemic Flu and Child Care Train