Records required under section 48 must be retained for at least two years after the discharge of the child, and must include the following information:
Emergency information Emergency information for each child enrolled must be readily accessible to each staff member and include:
- the name, address and telephone number of the family physician;
- the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of a parent and telephone number of a person to be contacted if a parent cannot be reached;
- any special medical or additional information provided by a parent that could be helpful in an emergency.
All emergency information must be updated on a regular basis.
GOOD PRACTICE
When collecting emergency information include any alternative forms of communication (e. g. email). Find out which form of communication will be most effective in case of an emergency. RATIONALE
Current information about each child in care must be readily accessible to staff in an emergency situation in order to provide appropriate service for the child. Immunization Each child must have an immunization record that has been obtained before admission and which must be updated from time to time thereafter as recommended by local medical officer of health, unless exempted based upon the parent's or physician’s written objection.
RATIONALE
Preventative health care includes immunization as deemed appropriate by the local health authority. GOOD PRACTICE
Periodically remind parents to check their child’s records for a timely update. Application for enrolment The application for enrolment must be signed by a parent. It must contain:
- the child's name, birth date, home address;
- the parents' names, home address(es), telephone numbers;
- the address and telephone number at which a parent or other person can be reached in case of an emergency;
- the names of persons to whom the child may be released;
- the family physician's name, address and telephone number;
- the date of admission;
- the date of discharge;
- the child's previous history of communicable diseases, conditions requiring medical attention, immunization or any statement from a parent or physician as to why child should not be immunized; (Note: The centre does not need a record of immunization if the child is attending a school within the meaning of the Education Act.)
- any symptoms indicative of ill health;
- parent's signed written instructions for any medical treatment, drug or medication to be administered during hours child receives care;
- parent's signed written instructions concerning any special requirements in respect of diet, rest or exercise.
Note:
Operators may use their own forms provided that the forms contain the same information as the ministry form.
Anaphylaxis Every day nursery must have an anaphylactic policy that includes the following:
- a strategy to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents;
- a communication plan for the provision of information on life-threatening allergies, including anaphylactic allergies;
- an individual plan for each child with an anaphylactic allergy that includes emergency procedures in respect of the child;
- staff, students and volunteers have received training on procedures to be followed if a child has an anaphylactic reaction.
Epinephrine auto-injector administration training may be provided by:
- a physician;
- a parent;
- a designate of the local medical officer of health;
- a certified epinephrine auto-injector instructor/trainer; or,
- other agencies that may provide training.
The operator should retain a list of the date(s) of training for each staff to demonstrate that each person has received the training before the start of employment.
For day nurseries that have enrolled children with life-threatening allergies, an individual plan must be developed for each child that includes emergency procedures for the child. It must be reviewed:
- by all employees before they begin their employment and at least annually afterwards;
- by volunteers and students before they begin providing that care or guidance and at least annually afterwards.
A list of known allergies of enrolled children must be posted in food preparation, eating areas and activity rooms.