Illness at School

An ill child will be comfortably cared for by an adult in the designated area. A cot or mat will be provided for an ill child who needs to lie down. The child will be observed carefully until the child is discharged to his/her parent, guardian, or person designated by the parent. A child who is presenting symptoms considered mildly ill (e.g., common cold) will be monitored and able to stay at school if they do not present any of the conditions listed above, and if they are able to participate successfully throughout the day. Decisions about if a child should be discharged from the program will be made in collaboration with the program nurse, director, and the child’s family. Parents will be notified immediately and asked to pick up their ill child. If the parents cannot be reached, one of the persons listed on the child’s records as emergency contacts will be notified to pick up the child. The child will not be readmitted to school until the observed symptoms have not been present for 24 hours. Our staff cleans the medical cot after each child has used the area.

QUESTIONS PARENTS MAY HAVE:

What Do I Do if My Child is Ill?

There are times when a child should not be sent to school or should be taken to a doctor for medical attention. Several conditions listed below suggest when your child may be ill. This list may be helpful to you as you use your best judgment to decide whether or not your child is well enough to attend school on a particular day.

When a child becomes ill at school, she/he will be kept under constant supervision. You will be notified immediately. A child with any of these conditions will be isolated and sent home immediately:

1. Diarrhea or vomiting

2. Severe coughing

3. Difficult or rapid breathing

4. Yellowish skin, pink eyes, or discolored nasal discharge

5. Sore throat or difficulty in swallowing

6. Temperature of 100F or higher

7. Untreated infected skin spots or rashes

8. Unusually dark urine and/or grey or white stool

9. Stiff neck

10. Lice, scabies or other parasitic infestation

School Nurse’s Notes

When should your child stay home from school?

A Simple Guide…

Children should be kept home if they have diarrhea, severe coughs, severe colds, or undetermined rashes. Children should not come to school with temperatures 100 degrees or above. The temperature should stay below 100 degrees for 24 hours before returning to school. Consultation with your family doctor is essential if there are any questions.

BE ALERT FOR SYMPTOMS IN OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS!

IF YOUR CHILD HAS MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA, OR HEPATITIS CALL THE SCHOOL NURSE FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE BEFORE YOUR CHILD ENTERS SCHOOL TO PREVENT ILLNESS AND MAKE LIFE EASIER WHEN ILLNESS OCCURS.

Share important information with the school…

1. Complete the medical emergency form which is required by the state. This form asks for the following phone numbers:

   • Where child’s parent(s) can be reached during the day;

   • Your family physician and hospital of your choice;

   • Two people to contact in an emergency in case you cannot be reached. (This could be the person you have selected as alternative caregiver – a relative, neighbor, friend or other dependable adult)

2. Provide the school with any special information it should have about your child’s medical history. For example:

   • Has your child had any serious illnesses?

   • Is your child taking any medications?

   • Does your child have allergies that you know of?

   • Any current medical condition or health concern?

3. Call to update when there are changes in:

   • Emergency numbers (i.e., home, work, alternative caregiver)

   • Health status (i.e., medical condition-asthma)

   • Medication (i.e., dose changes)

MAKE PROVISIONS FOR ALTERNATIVE CARE WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK…

1. Inform your teacher if your child is exposed to a contagious disease

2. Keep your child at home if he develops symptoms of disease that may endanger the health of the other children.

3. School clinic facilities do not have accommodations to keep ill children for long periods of time. Sick children must be picked up by parents or alternative caregivers.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE: ENCOURAGE…

1. Hand Washing – one of the best ways to prevent communicable disease:

   • Before eating or drinking

   • After using the toilet

2. Cover coughs and sneezes

3. Eat a balanced diet

4. Sleep at least ten hours each night

IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD IS ILL, KEEP HIM/HER HOME…

It sounds simple, but teachers are often faced with students who are too sick to learn and they in turn affect the well-being of the entire classroom.

Staff Training on Handling Emergency Situations

Our teachers and classroom assistants maintain appropriate training and certification in Communicable Disease Training and Prevention, CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Response. Information regarding these topics are reviewed annually to ensure all staff are familiar with how to respond to situations that may come up throughout the school year.

Staff members are trained in appropriate medical topics through Akron Children’s Hospital. Training meets the regulations stated in Ohio Administrative Code to support prevention, recognition, and management of communicable disease. At any given time, someone with the required certification will be available in the building.