Questions and Answers!
Your Training Resource

 Healthy Childcare
August - September 2001

Sickness and Health - Meningitis:

What is meningitis?
It is inflammation of the "meninges," the membranes around the brain and spinal cord that contain spinal or cerebrospinal fluid.

Is it serious?
The disease may only cause a severe headache and a fever, or it can be severe, even life- threatening.

Is it contagious?
It depends upon what caused the meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is contagious from person to person. Many viral forms of the disease are not transmitted directly, but may be transmitted in other ways, such as through tick and mosquito bites.

Is there a vaccine for this disease?
Not specifically; however, there are vaccines against some of the main diseases which can lead to meningitis, such as Hib.

Safety - Transportation and Childcare

Where is the safest place for children to ride?
The back seat is the safest. Infants and children less than 12 years of age should never ride in the front seat of cars equipped with passenger air bags.

What should I look for in driver qualifications?
Drivers should have a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) for the vehicle they will be operating; meet any physical, mental, or other requirements; and have a safe driving history.

What are some topics for driver training?
How to operate the vehicle safely, run a fixed route, keep accurate records, operate special equipment, handle emergency situations, special driving maneuvers; and program policy and procedures regarding releasing children to adults.

How often should vehicles be inspected?
Inspection at least once a year, plus regular vehicle maintenance, and daily pre-driving inspections.

Nutrition - Nutrition Assessment:

Why is nutrition assessment important for children?
Before you can meet a child's nutrition needs, you must first know the specific needs of each child. And these nutritional needs can change rapidly in early childhood.

What is included in nutrition assessment?
It may include a medical history, physical examination, laboratory data, height and weight information, dietary history, and mealtime observation.

What kind of laboratory data is included?
It may include the child's cholesterol, blood sugar, hematocrit and/or hemoglobin levels.

Does a child with a low hematocrit or hemoglobin need iron?
That is determined by the child's health care provider. Do not give vitamins with iron. Too much iron can be toxic, and an iron overdose is one of the most frequent causes of poisoning death in children!

Medicine Chest - Documentation in Childcare:

What basic information should I have on all children?
The child's medical history, immunization records, medications taken and/or treatments needed, allergies, diet restriction, and contact information for the child's physician.

What are some situations that should be documented?
Visitors to the center, medication or treatment given, child illness or injury, accidents with or without injury, behavior problems, diaper changes and bottle feedings (for infants), suspected child abuse or neglect, and safety inspections and drills.

Do I need to document medication every day if it is a regular medication?
Yes. You should also have the parents initial the form each day when they pick up their child.

Who should document special services?
While the outside professional, such as a speech therapist, will be responsible for his own documentation, it is equally important for the childcare provider to have a clear record of who visited and worked with each child each day.

Staff Health - Tips for PMS:

What causes PMS?
No one knows for sure.

What are some ways to lower the effects of PMS?
Dietary changes, such as avoiding caffeine, salt, and sugary foods may help. Exercise also may help.