Health and Medication Policies

1.   Each child must have a physical examination statement prior to enrollment and thereafter annually on file with the Center.  This is to insure that the child is physically able to take part in the program.  If illness prevents the child from participating in childcare activities, including outdoor play, he/she may not be admitted to the Center.

2.   Each child must have current immunizations.  Failure to keep physical records updated will be grounds for dismissal.

3.   If a child’s immunizations are not current, a statement signed by a physician must be on file in the Center.

4.   If a child must receive medication at the Center, a form authorizing the center to administer the medication to the child must be completed and signed.

5.   All medication must be in its original container, labeled with the child’s name, date, directions, and physician’s name.  The Center can only administer the medication as stated on the labeled directions.  The Center cannot administer medication after the expiration date.

6.   All over-the-counter medications cannot be administered without a doctor’s written and signed authorization. *(e.g., Tylenol, Benedryl, Motrin, teething tablets, etc.)

7.   Children who are ill (i.e., running a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea) cannot be kept at the center.  Please do not bring a sick child to the Center. This is in accordance to Texas Department of Family and Regulatory Services regulations.

8.   If your child becomes ill or injured at the center, you will be contacted immediately to pick up your child from the Center.  Parents who cannot be contacted, are unable to pick up their child, or fail to pick their child up within 1½ hours of being contacted may lose their place at the Center.

9.   Provide your current contact information and provide any updates throughout the academic year.  We must be able to reach you at all times. If there is a change in any contact information, it is the parent’s responsibility to notify the Center staff or their childcare provider.

10.  The director encourages parents to take his/her child to the doctor when he/she is sent home. The following guidelines will be used in determining whether a child will be sent home. 

a.   Fever:  Any temperature 2 degrees above normal (101) is sufficient reason to send a child home.

b.   Nausea and/or Vomiting:  If vomiting occurs more than twice, the child is ill enough to be sent home.

c. Diarrhea:  If a child has at least 3 loose stools within a 1-hour period, the child is ill enough to be sent home.

d.   Urinary problems:  If a child has burning, urgency or difficulty when urinating, the child is ill enough to be sent home.

e.   Sores or rashes:  A red or blister type rash on scalp, abdomen, or genital area should be considered contagious and the child will be sent home for medical care.

f.   Red, watery eyes (possibly conjunctivitis):  These are considered contagious and should be checked by a doctor.

g.   Parasites (head lice):  Any sign of head lice is sufficient reason to send a child home.

h.   No appetite:  A child who suffers from little or no appetite will be reported to parents.

i.   Persistent Cough:  A child with a persistent cough along with other symptoms should be sent home.

j.   Thrush/Yeast Infection:  White patches in mouth are suspected thrush; red bumps indicate diaper yeast infection and should be checked by a doctor.

11.   A child may return to the center after the following has occurred:

a.   1 day after temperature has returned to normal without medication.

b.   1 day after antibiotics have begun or after topical ointment have been applied.

c. The child has been free of diarrhea for at least 12 hours.

d.   With a doctor’s written permission.