Health & Well-being
Your child’s health and safety are important to us. Parents are required to notify the Center of any medical conditions or medications their child may be taking. Our staff is certified in CPR and/or First Aid through the American Red Cross.
If an accident occurs, appropriate first aid will be administered. If a child becomes ill during the day, parents will be contacted and asked to pick up their child. In the event of a serious or life-threatening accident or illness, the parents/guardians and 911 will be contacted immediately. The child may be transported by emergency personnel to a local hospital for treatment. Parents/guardians are responsible for all medical expenses incurred, and KKCC will not be responsible for medical treatment provided by emergency personnel or the hospital.
Parents are required to provide current emergency contact information and update it as needed. If a child is absent due to a serious or communicable illness, a doctor’s note may be required before the child returns to the Center. Every effort will be made to contact the parents or individuals listed on the child’s emergency contact form.
Hand Washing
Unwashed hands are a primary way that bacteria and germs spread illness. Proper hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. We ask parents to teach their children proper hand-washing practices at home to help us maintain a healthy environment.
Students will wash their hands:
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Upon arrival each day
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Before and after eating
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After outdoor play
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After sensory activities, such as sand or water play
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After toileting
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After contact with bodily fluids, such as blood or vomit
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After wiping their nose, mouth, or a cut
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After handling animals
Hand sanitizer may not be used or given to children as a substitute for hand washing. While hand sanitizer can reduce the number of germs on the skin, it does not remove dirt or other debris. Proper hand washing with soap and water remains the preferred method of cleaning hands.
Sick Children
Sick children are not permitted at the Center. Symptoms requiring exclusion include repeated loose stools, vomiting, fever, undiagnosed rashes, and cold symptoms that do not subside.
If a child becomes ill, parents will be notified and must arrange for the child to be picked up within 30 minutes. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, the Center will contact the emergency contacts on file. Parents are responsible for keeping emergency contact information current.
Children sent home due to illness may return only after being symptom-free for 24 hours. No exceptions will be made.
Communicable Diseases
Parents must notify KKCC if their child has been diagnosed with or exposed to a reportable communicable disease, such as conjunctivitis, chickenpox, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, strep throat, or ringworm.
Children with contagious illnesses will be excluded from the Center for the period specified by the Maryland State Department of Health. Readmission may require written documentation from the child’s pediatrician or licensed health practitioner confirming that the child may return.
If a child is diagnosed with a contagious illness during a weekend or holiday break, parents must notify the Administration and the child’s teacher so appropriate notifications can be made.
Medication
Staff will administer medication only when a completed and signed Medication Authorization Form (OCC 1216) is provided by the parent and the child’s physician or certified nurse practitioner.
Prescription medication must be in its original container with the prescription label clearly indicating the medication name, child’s name, dosage, route, frequency, and condition being treated. Staff will administer no more than one dose per day.
Over-the-counter oral or non-topical medications, including children’s Tylenol, Advil, and allergy medications, will not be administered.
Topical products, such as lotions, diaper rash products, sunscreen, and insect repellent, do not require a Medication Authorization Form. However, parents must provide the product and written authorization before staff may apply it.
Mosquito Repellent
Parents may provide mosquito or insect repellent for staff to apply before outdoor activities. The product must be labeled with the child’s name and accompanied by written parental authorization.
Sunscreen
During the summer months, parents should apply sunscreen before drop-off. If requested, teachers may apply a second application of spray-on sunscreen. Parents must provide an unexpired, labeled bottle of sunscreen and written authorization.
Allergies
Parents are responsible for informing KKCC Administration and staff of any allergies or sensitivities their child may have, including instructions for responding to an allergic reaction. This information must be documented on the child’s Emergency Form and Health Inventory Form.
KKCC is a nut-free Center. While we make every effort to minimize exposure to allergens, we cannot guarantee that a child will not be exposed to peanuts, peanut products or oils, shellfish, or other allergens.
Smoke-Free Facility
KKCC provides a smoke-free environment for children, parents, staff, and visitors. Smoking is prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas of the Center, as well as during off-site activities.
Child Abuse and Neglect
The safety and well-being of children in our care are our highest priorities. Staff are trained to recognize signs of physical, sexual, verbal, and emotional abuse and neglect.
As mandated by law, staff must report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate child protective services or law enforcement agency. Staff are not required to notify parents before making a report.