Children come into contact with many other children and adults in the early childhood environment increasing their exposure to others who may be sick or carrying an infectious illnesses. At Inspired Early Learning we aim to minimise the transmission of infectious diseases by adhering to regulations and policies protecting the health of all children, educators, families and visitors.
Knowing when to keep your child at home
We understand that it can be difficult for families to know when their child is sick. Families may experience problems taking time off work or study to care for their child at home. Obtaining leave from work or study can contribute to negative attitudes in the workplace which can cause stress on families. Families may also experience guilt when they send their child to care who is not well.
However, it is imperative that families maintain a focus not only on the well-being of their own child but also upon the well-being of other children and the early childhood professionals at Inspired Early Learning. To protect the health of children and educators within our service, it is important that children and educators who are unwell are kept away from their peers and educators at Inspired for the recommended period.
At Inspired we are unable to accept a child into care if they:
- have a contagious illness or infectious disease
- have a temperature above 38°C when assessed prior to entry to the service
- are unwell and unable to participate in normal activities
- have had a temperature in the last 24 hours- as reported by a family (or if the illness is present at Inspired)
- have had diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours as reported by a family (or if the illness is present at Inspired)
- have started a course of antibiotics in the last 24 hours
- have been given medication prior to arriving at the Service (for example: Panadol or Nurofen)
Common colds and flu
The common cold or flu (viral upper respiratory tract infections) are very common in children occurring 6-10 times a year on average with the highest number usually being during the first 2 years in childcare, kindergarten or school. Symptoms may include coughing, runny nose and a slight temperature.
In circumstances where a child appears to have cold or flu symptoms, management will determine if the child is well enough to continue at Inspired Early Learning or if the child requires parental care. Inspired Early Learning aims to support the family’s need for childcare however, families should understand that a child who is unwell will need one-on-one attention which places additional pressure on educator ratios and the needs of other children.
Children who are generally healthy, will recover from a common cold in a few days. Keeping a child home and away from childcare, helps to prevent the spread of germs.
Minimising the spread of illness
To help minimise the spread of illness and infectious diseases Inspired Early Learning implements rigorous hygiene and infection control procedures and cleaning routines including:
- effective hand washing hygiene
- cough and sneeze etiquette
- appropriate use of gloves
- exclusion of children, educators or staff when they are unwell or displaying symptoms of an infectious disease or virus
- effective cleaning of the environment, toys and resources (including bedding) by contracted cleaners
- Twice weekly deep cleaning of the Centre with the use of a fogging disinfectant contractor.
If you are unsure or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the centre.
