Sick Child Policy

As an early care director, it is imperative that you provide for the health and safety of the children in your care. A healthy school environment is one that tries to eliminate health related circumstances that might interfere with learning. Illness prevention is a key factor. The United States Department of Health and Human Services' Healthy Child Care Campaign suggests that each child care center should have a set of health goals and methods of implementing these goals. In addition to health initiatives sponsored by the federal government, administrators should be aware of state regulations and procedures that must be followed to ensure that everyone in the early childhood setting stays healthy. State regulations make directors and teachers responsible for the health of the children while they are in the center's care.  These regulations are legal requirements that you assume when you work with children in early childhood settings.  Negligence is a conscious act or decision that endangers the health of a child. The failure to assume liabilities is considered negligence. Healthy habits reduce the spread of illness.  It is important to: *  Have a good, enforced center health policy for staff and children *  Make sure there are no sick children or teachers at the facility *  Do a morning health check of children *  Keep a list of substitute teachers on file *  Educate the children  If children and adults practice healthy habits, fewer people will become ill. Learn more about developing and enforcing a silk child policy to promote a healthy classroom. Visit ChildCare Education Institute to discover over 100 online child care training courses that meet the continuing education requirements of the child care industry.  Register for a sample course and try online learning today!