Safety
All children must be signed in and out daily. Each parent's name must be signed clearly and the time arrived must be indicated next to child's name. Parents should leave any notes or special instructions on the clipboard, so that the teacher can readily see them. No child will be released to anyone other than a parent, without written authorization. Any person authorized to pick-up children must be prepared to show photographic identification before the child will be released to them.
Discipline
Planning ahead to prevent problems, defining limits, redirection and positive reinforcement are all techniques used at the Mother's Day Out program. There will be no corporal punishment. Occasionally, brief periods of "time out" will be used. Biting is a very serious and dangerous occurrence with little children. If this occurs, the staff will attempt to work with the child and the family to stop the biting. If biting continues, however, a child may be subject to dismissal from the program.
Illness
Children who have vomited, had diarrhea, fever or a rash within the last 24 hours must remain at home. They may not return until they have been symptom free for 24 hours, without the use of acetaminophen, Kaopectate, or other suppressive medications. If a child becomes ill with a contagious disease, it is imperative that the school is alerted in order to notify other parents and, if neccessary, the proper authorities. If a child becomes ill while at school, he/she will be isolated, and parents will be called to pickup the child immediately. In case of sudden illness or accident, the program will immediately attempt to contact parents; if unsuccessful, those persons listed as the contact in times of emergency will be called. In extreme emergencies, the child will be transported by ambulance to the closest hospital.
An ill child will not be admitted to school if one or more of the following conditions exist:
1. The illness prevents the child from participating comfortably in program activities.
2. The illness results in a greater need for care than the staff can provide without compromising the health, safety and supervision of the other children.
3. The child has an oral temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater; rectal temperature of 101.4 degrees or greater; underarm temperature of 99.4 degrees or greater; accompanied by behavior changes or other signs or symptoms of illness unless a medical evaluation indicates that the child can be included in program activities.
4. Signs and symptoms of possible severe illness such as: lethargy, uncontrolled breathing or diarrhea, vomiting of two or more episodes in 24 hours, rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling, wheezing, behavior change or other signs or symptoms of illness unless medical evaluation indicates that the child can be included in program activities.