The purpose of this policy is intended to protect the interests of the sick person, and to prevent further contact with others.
In the best interests of all children, staff, parents and volunteers at the centre, that a child or adult should stay at home when he/she has any of the following symptoms:
- A cold, nasal discharge or coughing that hinders day to day functioning;
- Sore throat and/or earache;
- Discharge from eyes or ears;
- Swollen neck glands;
- Fever, flushing, pallor or listlessness;
- Vomiting or diarrhea;
- Unexplained/Undiagnosed rash or skin eruption or infection; and
- Unusual irritability, fussiness and restlessness;
When a child, staff member or volunteer is ill and cannot attend the centre, the centre must be informed by phone. It is also suggested that the parents prepare and arrange for emergency backup child care in anticipation of these situations.
Program staff are responsible for observing each child upon their arrival to the centre for the symptoms of ill health, before the child begins interacting with other children. Should a child demonstrate any symptoms of illness, the parent delivering the child will be requested to remove the child from the centre by the Supervisor or designate.
Should a child develop any signs of illness throughout the day, the parent will be contacted by the Supervisor or designate and requested to come and pick up the child immediately. The child will be isolated from the other children in the centre’s office until such time as the parent or guardian arrives. Each child’s file will contain an illness log which will identify the illness and date of occurrence.
Where it is not possible for a parent of the child to take the child home, a pre-arranged emergency contact shall pick-up upon parental consent. For any serious inquiries, where it appears that the child required immediate medical attention, Call 911, so that the child can be examined by a legally qualified medical practitioner or a nurse registered with the College of Nurses of Ontario.
If the child is absent due to illness for three (3) days or more, a signed statement from the family physician maybe required to readmit the child to the centre.
When a child, staff member or volunteer is diagnosed by a physician with a reportable disease, the centre supervisor will notify the Public Health Department. This is a requirement under Ontario Reportable Disease Regulation.
Should a child require medication when he/she returns to the centre, parents must fill in a “Consent for Medication Form”. All medication must be prescribed by a doctor.