Health, Illness & Medication Policies
Medical History
Before the start of school, all enrolled children are required to have a completed current Medical History Form on file in the Center office. This form is to be completed and signed by your child's physician. It must include the date of your child’s last well visit, as well as a copy of your child’s current immunization records.
Health
The Bennington Early Childhood Center values the partnership of the parents and teachers in providing the best environment for the health and growth of the children. Parents are urged to share any concerns or suggestions they may have about health with the Director and/or the Supervising Teacher.
Nutrition: We serve a variety of simple foods prepared well and served in a pleasant atmosphere.
Exercise: We encourage vigorous play. Each group has time for outdoor play, every day, except in heavy rain or bitter cold, in which case we will use our Movement Room for indoor exercise.
Adequate rest: Children who stay at the Bennington Early Childhood Center into the afternoon have a rest time when they can nap or relax quietly while looking at books or listening to soft music.
Education for effective hygiene: Children are taught health practices such as hand washing, catching their coughs, and proper disposal of soiled materials. These are a regular part of our daily routine.
Careful sanitation practices: Every effort is made to keep our classroom environment clean and safe. Equipment is kept in good repair.
Safety Awareness: Teachers carefully monitor classroom activities to be alert to possible safety risks. Equipment is checked for potential hazards. Responsible automobile safety practices are followed when fieldtrips are taken. The staff is trained in first aid and child CPR.
Appreciation and support for children's emotional needs: The staff recognizes that emotional well-being is an important part of good health. Policies and practices of the Bennington Early Childhood Center take into consideration the need of children to feel secure and happy.
Body parts: At the Bennington Early Childhood Center we use the proper medical terms for parts of the body (i.e., penis, vagina, vulva, anus, buttocks, etc.) so that there is no confusion as to what a child is talking about. We encourage you to do the same at home.
Bathroom use: All bathrooms are unisex and supervised by a teacher. Children share the bathrooms according to their comfort level. If a child requests privacy, then they will use the bathroom alone with the door or curtain closed.
No matter how carefully health policies are followed, children and adults occasionally fall ill. We ask parents to be sensitive to their child's condition. When illness occurs, it is important for the sick child to remain at home. Our program is an active one, and a child who does not feel well may be uncomfortable and distressed. If a child should fall ill during the school day, the parents or other designated emergency contact will be called. The child will rest quietly in the classroom or office until s/he can be picked up.
Based on the State of Vermont’s Care Licensing Regulations, Vermont Department of Health, and the best interest of the children and staff of the BECC, the following illnesses may result in exclusion from attending school:
A child who has a fever greater than 100.4, vomiting, diarrhea (two or more loose, watery stools in the past 24 hours), severe coughing (uncontrollable and/or resulting in difficulty breathing), or yellow skin shall be excluded for at least 24 hours and until the symptoms disappear without the use of symptom-suppressing medication or until a medical professional deems it safe to return to care.
A child who has bacterial meningitis, diarrhea due to Shigella, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Giardia, Polio, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Measles, Mumps, Pertussis, Rubella, Strep or Scarlet Fever must be excluded until a medical professional indicates that it is safe for him/her to return.
A child who has chickenpox, scabies, or impetigo shall be excluded until properly treated.
The parents of a child who has ringworm or lice will be notified so that they can be properly treated. The child may return to school the day after being treated.
A child who has had an emergency room or hospital visit may return once they have been cleared by their health care provider. Please provide a copy of the discharge instructions or health care provider’s notes permitting returning and stating any special instructions.
Medication Administration
If your child requires medication (oral, topical, or inhaler) during his/her time at the Bennington Early Childhood Center, the medication must be hand-delivered to the supervising teacher in its original, labeled container and a medication form provided by the teacher must be filled out. Any prescription medications must be labeled with the child’s name, prescribing doctor, medication name, dosage, and route of administration. Only Supervising Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Directors who have successfully completed a Medication Administration course may administer medication and only with the written permission of a parent.
