Illness and Injury Concerns

The Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care requires that all children in group care have an up-to-date physical examination prior to admission. Although children do not have a need for annual immunizations after a period of time, all children should have a yearly physical. Please be sure your child’s immunization records are kept current. Your child's health inventory record will need to be updated annually. A new form is distributed to all families before the beginning of every school year (late August).

Allergies

It is hard to believe that foods most of us eat and enjoy every day can be harmful or deadly to others, but it is true. Eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are the most common foods causing allergic reactions, but almost any food has the potential to trigger an allergy. When a child has a life threatening or serious allergy to peanuts, peanuts will be prohibited from use in that child’s classroom or any area that the child uses during the day. All parents in the affected classroom(s) will be notified in writing of the banning of peanuts. Families in the affected classroom(s) are expected to comply with this request. For all other food or substances, the Center will work with the child’s family to provide the safest possible environment, and customize a special health care plan in cooperation with the child’s physician.

Emergencies and Injuries

Minor injuries will be treated with first aid. Any first aid treatment rendered will be reported to the parents. Our staff is certified in basic first aid and infant/child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

In the case of a severe injury or medical emergency:

1. The NIST Fire Protection Group will be called at extension 2222.
2. We will attempt to notify the parents or emergency contact person(s) immediately.
3. The child will be transported to the nearest hospital (Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, Shady Grove Road & Route 28).
4. A Center staff member will accompany him/her to the emergency room. Your previously signed, “Emergency Medical Release” Form, will be brought to the hospital to ensure immediate care for your child prior to your arrival.