Health & Supports 

Extended Follow-Up and Treatment 

GHC Family Support Specialists work collaboratively in obtaining health information to include updated physicals, follow-up appointments, immunization updates, treatment needs/recommendations and dental information. Child’s health, and/or follow-up /treatment information is recorded in Earlybird/CARES. FSS proceeds with referrals as indicated to the appropriate Content Area Specialists. Parents are assisted with community resources to provide the child with treatment and to initiate any follow-up as indicated. Nutrition referrals may be initiated via email or phone to the Health and Safety Manager. After parental consent and/or approval, the Health and Safety Manager reviews nutrition information and collaborates with the FSS, Site Manager and Food Service Staff, or Registered Dietician as needed to ensure further follow-up is initiated and/or completed. The FSS utilizes written notices and personal contact with parents regarding expiration/due date information on physicals, immunizations, screenings/exams, treatments and/or follow up. Health information forms are to be filed in child’s health file, according to the checklist of required documents.

 The program participates in the developing and implementing of Health Care Plans for children with medical/health concerns, impairments, or acute health problems. Examples of care plans include: Asthma, Seizures, Severe or Anaphylactic Allergies, Diabetes and Food Allergies. The health care plan should be a collaboration between the parent/guardian and the child’s healthcare provider with both reviewing the plan. Healthcare Plans are forwarded to Health and Safety Manager  to ensure completion, accuracy and correct distribution. Original plans are kept in the child’s health file; copies are placed in the classroom to include the teacher file, medication cabinet (if applicable), clipboard, fanny pack and both evacuation bags.  Any care plan with medications included must be updated every year. Care plans must be updated any time a child is hospitalized or there is a change in the child’s plan of care by a healthcare provider.  It is the parent’s responsibility to notify Health and Safety Manager  when and if any changes need to be made.  Otherwise, health care plan will be good for one year from date of completion, with the exception noted above. 

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide the medications and/or equipment necessary to carry out a health care plan. (example: epi-pens, inhalers, spacers, nebulizer machines and medication) Ideally, the parent/guardian will obtain the necessary medication and/or equipment to be left at center 24/7. The program will provide assistance as needed. The Health and Saftey Manager  will provide any necessary training to teaching staff in relation to health care plans. (Example: use of epi-pen, use of inhaler etc.) 

Involving Parents in Health Services 

The program ensures that each child enrolled receives appropriate healthcare services by providing caregivers with notification of all health/mental health or developmental concerns and providing follow-up to ensure all referrals and follow-ups are completed. At enrollment, parents are provided information regarding developmental and health screenings, and consent is obtained.  Health, Safety, and Nutrition information is shared with parents in various ways. The program will assist parents in enrolling and participating in ongoing family health care and encourage parents to be active partners in their child's health care process. 

For any child under the supervision of a private health care provider, it is recommended that the Parent/Guardian provide the name of the private health care provider and sign the Parent Consent form so that the program can obtain needed information. FSS assists the Parent/Guardian with this form and will file the form in the child's health file after the FSS has obtained information from a private care provider and entered this information into Earlybird/CARES. 

Parents can elect to decline any recommended health services or referrals. In that case, the parent will be provided with information on the reason, importance, and possible consequence for their child not receiving the particular health service. The parent has the option to reconsider the denial at any time. 

The Health/Education Advisory Committee is composed of Parents, Staff, Community Professionals, and Community Partners, who are encouraged, invited, and allowed to participate in the Health/Education Advisory Committee, which meets at minimum once a year to discuss issues related to Health, Safety, Development, Nutrition, Education and Mental Health of children.