HEALTH CONTENT AREA TEAM PLACEMENTS Assistant Director for Health Sharon Hill Regional Site: 610-938-2845 LPN Health Technician Sharon Hill Regional: 610-938-2845 ext. 6358 LPN Health Technician Yeadon Regional: 610-623-3696 ext. 202 Health Technician Chester Township Regional: 610-494-0467 LPN Health Technician Rockbourne Falls: 484-461-4664 DCIU Head Start DCIU Early Head Start & Child Care Partnerships ~Health~ Parent Handbook EHS/Head Start Health Content Area 200 Yale Ave. Morton, PA 19070 Phone: 610-938-9000 Fax: 610-938-9982 Email: ehammond@dciu.org Equal Rights and Opportunities Policy The Delaware County Intermediate Unit and the Delaware County Technical Schools are equal opportunity education institutions and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, equal pay, disability or genetic information in their activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, VII, IX, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact the Director of Human Resources or the Section 504 Coordinator at 200 Yale Avenue, Morton, PA 19070, 610-938-9000. For information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and useable by handicapped persons, contact the Director of Facilities at 610-938-9000.Revisions: 08/2007; 10/2009; 07/2010; 06/2011, 07/2012; 7/31/14; 7/28/17 ; Together we can make life, home, school and the environment a better place for our children and families. Sharing information brings knowledge and with knowledge comes power! Promote Health 24
WELCOME TO THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR! Dear Parents/Guardians: On behalf of the DCIU Early Head Start (EHS)/Partnership Program and the Health and Safety Team, welcome to the new school year! The Health Team is here to serve you, your child and your family in the area of Health and Safety for the program year. We work along with your Family Service Worker from registration/enrollment to the end of the year to make sure we obtain and share helpful information with you while your child is in the program. This handbook should serve as a reference to DCIU Early Head Start and Partnership s Health services policies and procedures. Please keep this book for your reference. At your child s site, your health contact would be the nurse or LPN, Health Technician. The are supported by the DCIU Health Consultant and a Head Start (HS) Assistant Director. Please get to know them! This is the person YOU will be working with to submit and talk to regarding all of your important health related information; including: current health and dental forms, immunization information, allergy information, medicine and health screening information. The Health Technician will also handle any on site emergencies that may occur. The Health and Safety Team works closely with all of the other DCIU Head Start and Partnership staff to follow and adhere to national and state Head Start standards. Doing so helps us provide quality programming and care for your child. Your help is appreciated. You will have several opportunities to participate in the educational experiences of your child through health and safety. Together we can work to keep your child s information updated. You will be informed of in advance of upcoming health documentation needs and expiring dates. If you have not already, please make an appointment with the health technician TODAY to complete your paper work. Appendix A, cont d: Streptococcal Pharyngitis (i.e. strep throat or other streptococcal infection, until 24 hours after treatment has been started. Health Care Provider s note is needed for verification of treatment. Pertussis; until 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment. Health Care Provider s note is needed for verification of treatment. Rash with fever or behavioral change: until a physician has determined that the illness is not a communicable disease. Ringworm: at the end of the program/school day. Readmit after 24 hours once treatment started. Rubella: until 6 days after rash appears. Scabies: until after treatment has been given. Health Care Provider s note is needed for verification of treatment. We look forward to being of service to you, your child and your family this Program Year. Please do not hesitate to call your Site Health Technician or someone on the Health Team with any questions and/or concerns you have. Yours in Good Health! DCIU Early Head Start & Partnerships Health Team 2 23
Appendix A, cont d: Fever: (temperature above 101 F orally, or 100 F or higher taken axillary or measured by an equivalent method and behavior change, or other signs and symptoms (e.g. sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea), unable to participate, or their care would compromise staff s ability to care for other children. Readmit when child is able to participate, exclusion criteria are resolved. Please notify Health Staff assigned to the site immediately if an illness is suspected. If designated Health Staff is not available, please contact the Assistant Director of Health. Mumps: until 5 days after onset of parotid gland swelling. Health Care Provider s note is needed for verification of treatment. (Upper Respiratory Infection) Cold: do not exclude unless the child is unable to participate and staff determine that they cannot care for the child without compromising their ability to care for the health and safety of the other children in the group or the child meets other exclusion criteria, such as fever 101 F orally and above with behavior change. Readmit when exclusion criteria is resolved, child is able to participate and staff determine they can care for the child without compromising their ability to care the health and safety of the other children in the group. Tuberculosis: until the child s health care provider or local health department states child is on appropriate treatment and can return. Health Care Provider s note is needed for verification of treatment. Vomiting: more than 2 times in 24 hours, fever, looks or acts ill, vomitus is green or bloody, recent history of head injury, nor urine output in 8 hours. Mouth sores with drooling unless the child s physician or local health department authority states that the is noninfectious. Table of Contents Welcome Letter 2 Table of Contents 3 DCIU Early Head Start Mission & Purpose Statements 4 Volunteering 5 Workshops and Trainings 6 General Health and Safety Information 7 Early Head Start/Head Start Standards 8 Health Screening Information & Requirements 9 Well Baby Checks (Physicals) Oral Health( Dental) Immunizations Vision and Hearing Assessments Medications 10 Accommodating Children with Medical Concerns Incidents-Illnesses-Communicable Diseases 11-12 Exclusion from School Criteria 13 Short Term Exclusion Policy 14 Safety Policy 15 Suspected Abuse / Neglect Reporting Mental Health Care Plans/Sensitive Medical Concerns Safety Practices 16-17 Community Partnerships 18-19 Health Services Advisory Committee Partnership List ELL/ESL Resources 19 DCUI EHS/HS Support Team 20 Exclusion from School Criteria (short list), Appendix A 21-23 22 3
DELAWARE COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT Early Head Start/Head Start Educating, Empowering and Encouraging People to Succeed OUR MISSION "The mission of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit Head Start Program is to provide families with tools to become self-sufficient; to prepare children who are ready, willing and able to learn; to empower and develop capable and highly qualified staff and to produce leaders committed to excellence for the promise and vision of a brighter future." OUR PURPOSE Head Start serves the community, families and children of Delaware County. Our focus is to meet all the aspects and values of each child and family. We recognize the importance that parents bring to our program. We view the families holistically and individually by recognizing the educational, physical, mental, emotional, health and nutritional strengths of each child and family. The children will be positively enriched throughout the entire program and given the opportunity to develop socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically through many new learning experiences. Delaware County Intermediate Unit Head Start embraces President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" initiative. Our goal is to educate children so they succeed in kindergarten. One of the ways we are working towards this goal is by creating a literacy rich environment in every classroom. Our classrooms are affluent with print, vocabulary, books, computer software and opportunities to experience literacy as a source of enjoyment. Exclusion from School Criteria (short list), Appendix A Note: protections of the others in the group should be checked to be sure everyone who was exposed has received vaccine or receives vaccine immediately). Health Care Provider s note is needed for verification of treatment. Impetigo: after treatment has started. Health Care Provider s note is needed for verification of treatment. Loosely cover infected area to allow airflow for healing and avoid contact with others in group care settings. Blood or mucous in the stools: not explained by dietary change, medication, or hard stools. Chickenpox: until all lesions have dried or crusted (usually 6 days after onset of rash) Pink-eye (Conjunctivitis): do not exclude unless the child is unable to participate and staff determine that they cannot care for the child without compromising their ability to care for the health and safety of the other children in the group; or if the child meets other exclusion criteria, such as fever with behavior change; or there is a recommendation of the health department or the child s health professional. Diarrhea: (defined by more watery stools or decreased form of stool that is not associated with changes of diet) exclude if diapered children whose stool is not contained in the diaper, and toilet-trained children if diarrhea is causing accidents. In addition, diapered children with diarrhea should be excluded if the stool frequency exceeds 2 or more stools above normal for that child. Readmit when diapered children have their stool contained by the diaper (even if the stools remain loose) and when toilettrained children do not have toileting accidents. Note: Special circumstances that require specific exclusion criteria include the following: Children must be cleared by a Public Health Department Professional for all cases of Bloody Stools, Shigella, Salmonella, Giardia infections 4 21
DCIU EARLY HEAD START CHILD DEVELOPMENT TEAM (Education-Mental Health-Health-Nutrition-PCEF) Taking Head Start to the next level of Excellence EHS/PARTNERSHIP Program Parents as VOLUNTEERS We at Head Start value all who volunteer their time, talent and expertise to our Early Head Start program, for the benefit of the children. You, as a parent, are a valued part of our Early Head Start family. You bring to us a wealth of information and experience. Information and experiences that we would like for you to share with us. On your parent calendar, you will notice there is a theme for each month. We invite you to share in your child s learning experiences and by getting involved and learning more about the themes. With the knowledge your acquire, you will be able to not only share the information in your home, but in your community also. DCIU Head Start Director DCIU Head Start Assistant Director (Education/Health/Early Head Start) Education Coordinator Assistant Education Coordinators Instructional Staff Mental Health Consultant Health Consultant LPN Health Technicians Health Technician Nutrition Consultant Nutrition Technicians Nutrition Service Workers In addition, you are invited to join and participate your site s parent committee meetings. As a parent/volunteer you will be required to adhere to the Early Head Start/Head Start Performance Standards. This includes, but is not limited to the following: If you volunteer regularly, you are in the center/classroom on a daily basis totaling 3 or more days a week. Every parent volunteer will be asked to complete a health questionnaire. As a parent and a volunteer, you will be expected to treat all children, staff, and other volunteers with dignity and respect. Actions and/or words that de mean and/or humiliate a person or negates their character or self-esteem will no be tolerated. As a parent/volunteer you will be expected to follow the policies, procedures and performance standards of DCIU early Head Start / Head Start. All volunteers must complete the proper clearances before volunteering. 20 5
WORKSHOPS and TRAININGS Throughout the year we will be offering trainings/ workshops as a Health Content Area, as well as, in conjunction with the Parent Committee Meetings held at your center. Workshops and/or trainings will also be offered and/or presented by organizations from the community. We encourage you to participate in the trainings and/or workshops that are offered. In some cases, the information you receive will allow for you to be a presenter in your child s classroom. Information received will also enhance the measure of health and safety in your home and environment. We are sure the trainings/ workshops will enhance health and safety during the program year. ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE ESL) RESOURCES Translation Services are available to translate the Health Parent Handbook and Health Screening Results by way of Partnership with University of Pennsylvania : PENN Language Link students in training. For more information about this service contact 610-938-9000 ext. 2202. COMMUNITY PARTNERS PA Department of Health ChesPenn Health Services Spirit Financial Group Delaware County Library System Delaware County Literacy Council Brookhaven Vision Source CHIP / Caring Foundation Independence Blue Cross PA Department of Public Welfare Medical Assistance WIC (Women, Infant and Children) Crozer Keystone Healthy Families Healthy Start Delaware County Intermediate Unit DCIU Early Intervention Family Centers American Red Cross Children and Youth Services of Delaware County Women & Children s Health Services Widener University, School of Nursing DCIU Licensed Practical Nursing Program Kidd Smiles Dental Services 6 19
OUR PARTNERS Alone we can do so little, together WE can do so much more COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS Community Partnerships are an important part of the EHS program. Our collaboration with various organizations, health facilities and educational facilities assist us in providing services for your child. Some of our current partnerships are with Chester City Lead Prevention, Chester Injury/Violence Prevention, Delaware County Technical School LPN Program, Widener University Nursing Programs and Kids Smiles Dental Service Program. Our most important partnership, however, is YOU parents and guardians of the children and families we serve. Health Services Advisory Committee Board (HSAC) The Delaware County Intermediate Unit Early Head Start /Head Start Health Services Advisory Committee is committed to facilitating access to services for children by collaborating with parents (caregivers/families), Head Start staff, community partners and the community at large for the purpose of improving the health, safety and wellness of the children and families (Early Head Start /Head Start communities/ people we serve). HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER/AREA A Health Information Center/Area is located in each center. We encourage you to visit the areas for health information. Each month information may be spotlighted for your reading. You will also find information regarding insurance and other health resources. We encourage you to take, read and share this information with your family, friends and community. HEALTH and SAFETY THEMES We will be sending home information and placing information in the Health Information Centers/Areas for you referencing different themes. This information may correspond with the curriculum subject. Again, we encourage you to share this information with your family and friends. Your children may have activities and/or presentations that support the themes. We encourage you to discuss the information shared with your child. HEALTH CURRICULUM A Health Curriculum has been implemented to develop, promote and enhance awareness of Health and Safety. The Health Information Center/Area, Themes and the Health Curriculum is a triple application providing you, your child (ren), your family and your community with valuable educational information and activities. 18 7
INFORMATION TO REMEMBER! In accordance with the Head Start Program Performance Standards, please be aware of the following: (1302.42) On entry into the Early Head Start Program your child must be up-to-date for Well Baby Exams ( due based on age) and Dental (Oral Health) Exams after the first tooth erupts and every 6 months thereafter according to PA Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment requirements. Your child s immunizations must be up-to-date as required by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the PA Immunizations Regulations for Children in Child Care groups and the DCIU EHS/HS Health Service Advisory Committee. Please remember, whenever your child receives a shot, take the information to your Health Technician IIf the requested information is not provided as required, your child may be placed on a waiting list. We must have all treatment information for all health and dental problems. If you have any problem getting medical and/or dental services, please contact your Health Technician or Family Service Worker for assistance. If your child receives WIC, please have WIC write the re-certification results from their tests for you. Give them to your Health Technician. (Any child under the age of 5 years, who is in Head Start, should qualify for WIC.) Some physicians may charge a fee for completing paperwork. If that is the case please inform your Health Technician for assistance in addressing the issue. Please feel free to contact your Health Technician with any questions and/or concerns. FOOTWEAR When the warm weather is upon us, safe footwear for the children is always a concern. We recommend that children wear slip-proof and closed-toe footwear during the warmer months.. We want your child to fully participate in the program, however; your child may be restricted from certain activities due to unsafe footwear. Open toes, clogs and flip flops can be dangerous. Our concern is your child s safety and we do not want your child to be injured. JEWELRY Jewelry, especially necklaces, can be a source of injury to children in a playing environment. Necklaces and hair beads/barrettes can be a choking hazard when children are playing. It is recommended your child not wear jewelry or small hair beads to school for safety reasons. PLASTIC BAGS Plastic bags are a source of strangulation and suffocation. For the safety of the children, when supplying your child s change of clothes for the classroom, it is recommended you use either a small book bag, shoebox or plastic container with a lid. 8 17
SAFETY PRACTICES SUNSCREEN/SKIN PROTECTION It has been recommended that children be protected from the sun by using sun protective clothing (hat, visor, sunglasses) and sunscreen UVV and UVA ray protection of SPF 15 or higher during outdoor play. Outdoor play is a recommended daily activity for Head Start students, weather permitting. To assist us in the protection of your child, apply sunscreen prior to your child coming to school. STRINGS STRINGS STRINGS Strings around the head/neck, wrists, ankles, of jackets shirts and/or pants have been reported to cause strangulation and/or other injuries when caught in mechanical doors, playground equipment and the like. To assist in the prevention of any potential injury, you may want to cut the stings to a length appropriate for tying without excess. Shoestrings, if not tied can be a potential tripping hazard, either by the child wearing the shoes or someone walking in a close proximity. Please make sure your child s shoestrings are tied at all times. If your child has shoestrings that touch the floor when tied, they are too long and need to be adjusted. ~SCREENINGS~ The Health Team, along with our community partners, do well-child health screenings for your child. This includes hearing, vision, heights, and weights. Some screenings are performed for children based on individual need, and may need to be repeated or done at a later date if there are concerns. You will receive notice when the initial health screenings will be completed. You are invited and encouraged to be at the center when the screenings are being done. You will also be notified as to whether or not your child passed the screening or is being referred for further testing. It is very important that you let us know if your child. has any physical impairments that would affect the screenings such as tubes in the ears or if glasses are worn. HEALTH AND DENTAL It is important that you follow-up on your child s health and dental problems immediately. A child in good health is a happier child and a much better learner. Each time your child visits the doctor or another health provider for something other than physical or dental exam, please have the doctor complete the Health Care Provider (Physician) Report Follow-Up Form. You can get the form from your Health Technician. Make sure the doctor writes the diagnosis and any needed follow-up on the form. This information needs to be on any note you obtain from the doctor. Give the completed form to your Health Technician or Family Service Worker. A note stating the child was seen at the clinic or office is not enough. All information is kept confidential. 16 9
Page 10 When your child has MEDICATIONS... Please contact your Health Technician immediately if you think your child will need medication during school hours. Medications are a very special issue and must be discussed with us. We attempt to discourage administration of medication in the program. However, if your physician decides it is necessary for your child to receive a medication during the program day, the physician s written orders and specific directions for administration must be provided to the program. It is recommended the first doses of mediation be administered at home. Health Staff or Family service Workers will give you forms to take to the physician. When the information from the physician is obtained, please contact the Health Staff. When all appropriate forms are signed and reviewed, the medication will be given as needed. Until the forms are signed you may administer the medication. No medication will be administered by any staff member until all forms have been completed signed and training of medication administration given to staff. The Medication Procedure below offers specifics about medication brought to the program: Medication is to be given directly to the Health Technician Medication should be in the original pharmaceutical child-proof container or bottle with the child s name, medication, dosage, method of administration, and frequency of administration on the label on the container. Pills must be split, prior to bringing the medication to the program. Request the pharmacist to do this. Medication is to remain in the center. It is not to be transported from home to school or vice versa. The child is not to have access to the medication. If your child s medication changes in any way, you will need to get a new form completed by the doctor. 10 YOUR CHILD S SAFETY AND WELL-BEING IS IMPORTANT! SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE / NEGLECT REPORTING As employees of DCIU Head Start, we are mandated reporters of suspected Child Abuse/Neglect. We have a team in place to handle such reports. To work with us, please inform staff of any marks/bruises your child may have sustained at home. FAMILY SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH In collaboration with the Instructional Staff and FSW s, the Mental Health consultant will discuss mental health family concerns, diagnostic and treatment procedures, plans for ongoing care and familiarizing families with mental health issues upon request. Referrals to Behavioral/Mental Health agencies will be provided. The Mental Health Consultant in collaboration with the Health Consultant and FSW s will provide referral information and follow up with families regarding progress with treatment. CARE PLANS FOR SENSITIVE MEDICAL CONDITIONS Some sensitive medical conditions may consist of, but not be limited to: Severe Asthma, Food, Medication, Environmental and Product Allergies, Seizures/Epilepsy, Hemophilia, tubes in ears, feeding tubes, Spina Bifida, etc. Please make us aware of any condition that could affect your child s health and safety in the program. A special care plan from the Health Care Professional (Physician, Dentist, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Eye Doctor) etc. is required. The health staff will review the plan with you and incorporate it into a Health Management Plan for your child. 15
. SHORT TERM EXCLUSION POLICY Temporary exclusion is recommended when: The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in activities. The illness results in a need for care that is greater than the staff of the program determine they can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children. The child s condition poses a risk of spread of disease to others; such as the conditions listed in Appendix A, unless the health professional determines the child s condition does not require exclusion. The Health Staff may consult with the local health department if the situation warrants or if there is a question on exclusion. Incidents /Illness You will be notified even if your child has a seemingly small incident and/or any time your child does not feel well. All incidents /illnesses require some paperwork on your part-maybe your signature or a return note from your health care provider. There may be times you will need to pick up your child from school. If you are not available, we may contact someone on your emergency contact list. Please keep all emergency contact information up to date. This is extremely important. For non-emergency incidents/illnesses, if Health Staff can not speak to you, we may leave a message for you to return the call. Due to HIPAA law, we will not leave a detailed message on your voice mail or with an unauthorized person of your household. If you would like to be contacted on your cell or your job, no matter what the case, please advise the Health Technician. You will be notified if your child has been exposed to a contagious disease while in school. Your Health Technician needs to be notified within 24 hours if your child is diagnosed with anything that could be considered contagious. Please see Appendix A at the back of this handbook for specific Exclusion from School criteria Certain medical conditions will require your child to stay out of school for a certain amount of time. Please help us by following the rules necessary to help your child get well. This includes, but is not limited to, handing in the paperwork that is requested and/or keeping your child at home. Keeping good records allows us to better care for your child. Keeping your child home allows your child a get well period and allows us to protect the other children and staff. What also helps is your keeping us updated about any health issues that you are aware of for your child. 14 11
INCIDENTS/ILLNESS cont d: Certain medical conditions will require your child to stay out of school for a certain amount of time. Please help us by following the rules necessary to help your child get well. This includes, but is not limited to, handing in the paperwork that is requested and/or keeping your child at home. Keeping good records allows us to better care for your child. Keeping your child home allows your child a get well period and allows us to protect the other children and staff. What also helps is your keeping us updated about any health issues that you are aware of for your child. Please do NOT bring your child to school if he/she appears ill and/or the child is not exhibiting their nor mal behavior and they would be unable to participate in the regular school setting. Follow the Exclusion from School when deciding if your child should be in school. If you are not sure, contact your Health Technician before you bring your child to school. If your child is ill, contact the Health Technician, Famiily Service Worker or Instructor to let him/her know about the problem If your child appears ill to the Instructor, you may be asked to remain at the school until contact is made with the Health Technician. If your child is bussed, you may be called to pick up your child. There may be times when the Nurse Technician or Health designee may need to check your child, because of suspected health problems. It is not always possible to notify you before the screening/check of your child. However, we will notify you of any suspected health problems. Remember, we are here for you and your child! EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL The following information only serves as a guide for determining exclusion (requiring the child stay home). Individual cases may require other treatment options or documentation requirements (such as notes) as specified by the health care provider and/or the Health Staff. References from national authorities may also be consulted. The recommendations below for this Exclusion Policy are based on Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools; A Quick Reference Guide( QRG), 4th Edition, American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). The Health Staff has determined a note from the child's health care provider is required for the indicated illnesses to verify compliance with treatment recommendations. Notes may be required on individual basis for circumstances deemed necessary by the Health Staff If your child is out of school for three days and you have consulted with or your child has been seen by a health care provider, a note from the health care provider is required. If you manage your child s illness at home (such as for a cold), and the child is without symptoms (no fever, does not look or act ill, no behavior change, no difficulty breathing) you yourself may write the note on return to the program. 12 13