18 Requirements for a Healthy Environment
18 Requirements for a Healthy Environment
TEACHER’S KEY
1. Underlined sections are parts students will fill in on their worksheet.

18 Requirements for a Healthy Environment

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High quality programs promote ____________________environments where children can______________. Young children depend upon the _______ in their lives to make ____________ for them and to teach them to make _______________ for themselves.


Health policies are ______________ that support you in maintaining a climate of ______________ by promoting ____________ and preventing the spread of _______. The policies ensure that safe and ____________________ are in place. They also help to guide decision making about how to manage confusing or difficult situations. All licensed child care programs must have written health policies and procedures that are:
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You have read about health policies and procedures in your Guides (page 123-125 in the Child Care Licensing Guidebook and Sections 5 and 6 in the Family Home Child Care Guide). Some of these we will list below and let’s see how many you are familiar with and if you know where to find them for more information:

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18 Requirements for a Healthy Environment

TEACHER’S KEY

Underlined sections are parts students will fill in on their worksheet.

High quality programs promote safe and healthy environments where children can thrive and grow. Young children depend upon the adults in their lives to make healthful choices for them and to teach them to make healthy choices for themselves.

Health policies are guidelines that support you in maintaining a climate wellness by promoting healthy behaviors and preventing the spread of disease. The policies ensure that safe and appropriate health practices are in place. They also help to guide decision making about how to manage confusing or difficult situations. All licensed child care programs must have written health policies and procedures that are:

· Written in a manner that is clear and easy to understand.

· Shared with all new staff during orientation.

· Posted for staff and families to review.

· Reviewed, signed and dated by a physician, physician's assistant or registered nurse when you change your policies and procedures or type of care provided.

You have read about health policies and procedures in your Guides (page 123-125 in the Child Care Licensing Guidebook and Sections 5 and 6 in the Family Home Child Care Guide). Ask the students, “Do you know what these are and where you can find instructions on how to do them?” Have students find policies for the following:

1. Provide general cleaning of areas

2. Clean and sanitize equipment

3. Prevent, manage and report communicable diseases

4. Handle minor injuries such as scrapes

5. Provide first aid

6. Screen children daily for illnesses

7. Notify parents that children have been exposed to infectious diseases and parasites

8. Handle minor illnesses, such as the influenza (the flu)

9. Handle major injuries and medical emergencies

10. Manage medication

11. Assist with hand washing, diapering and toileting

12. Handle food

13. Provide nutritious meals and snacks

14. Respond during any disasters

15. Care for children with special needs

16. Care for infants

17. Place infants on their backs

18. Decide when children are ill, how to call for pick up and how to care for child until family arrives.

Ask “How many of the policies are you familiar with? How many of the 18 policies are you not familiar with and would like or need to learn more about?” In a child care center all policies need to be available for review by staff, parents, licensors, and others.