Immunization

Immunization of children prior to entry into care is strongly advised; parents who do not wish to immunize their child/children must give a signed letter to the BCCS, stating that they have chosen not to immunize their child/children and which of the immunizations they have chosen to avoid.

These parents cannot hold the BCCS liable for the child becoming infected with diseases for which the child is not immunized. If there is an outbreak of an immmunizable disease a child who has not been immunized may be asked to stay out of the centre until the outbreak has passed

 

When Your Child Needs Medication

Whenever possible, please arrange with your doctor for a medication schedule that permits your child to have his or her dosages at home. When medication is given at home, it is important to let your centre staff know to ensure this information is passed on in case an emergency situation arises.

Medication, both prescription and non-prescription, can only be administered to your child by staff with a physician’s authorization. The medication must be in the original container and must be clearly labeled with your child’s name, the physician’s name, the name of the medication as well as the dosage and the time of administration. Any special instructions or possible side effects should be indicated on the “Permission to Administer Medication Form.” “Permission to Administer Non-Prescription Medication Form” is available for those medications that are not prescribed by your doctor. This form will need to be filled out by your doctor in order for our staff to administer the non-prescription medication.

 

Is Your Child Well Enough To Come To Daycare?

A rule of thumb that many parents find useful is that if your child is not well enough to participate in the usual program, including being outdoors, then he/she should be at home.

It is the BCCS policy to refuse care to children if they have:

              - a fever over 100 degrees

              - not been free of a fever for 24 hours (without a fever suppressant)

- not been free from vomiting or undiagnosed diarrhea for a minimum of 24 hours

- been prescribed medication for less than 24 hours

- a communicable disease

- have a sore throat, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing with a constantly running nose

- have an undiagnosed rash, skin infection or ear/eye discharge.

              In order to provide ‘excellence in childcare’ to all of the children in the Society’s care, staff are unable to care for a sick child. Should your child become ill during the day, we will let you know as soon as possible in order for you to make arrangements to pick up your sick child. In the best interests of your child it is imperative that arrangements be made as quickly as possible for your child to be taken home where they can heal in the comfort of their own home.

 

Safety

1. Sign-In/Sign-Out

 

When you bring your child to the centre each day, please be sure to sign him/her in on the attendance sheet and note the time you expect to pick him/her up that evening. It is also helpful if you indicate in the “comment’s section” any events or special circumstances that may affect your child’s day.

When you pick up your child, indicate in the “actual time out” column the time that you leave, and add your initials. This is an important safety factor and officially transfers the care of your child from the Society’s centre to you. We ask that you sign your child out as soon as you enter the classroom and that you are aware that once your child is signed out they are now your responsibility.

 

2. Late Pick Up

 

Parents are charged a penalty of $15.00 for every fifteen minutes, or part thereof that they arrive after 6:00 pm. In unusual circumstances, parents may contact the Administrator to discuss the possibility of waiving the fine.

If, after 60 minutes (1 hour), staff have been unable to reach the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) or the designated emergency contact, we are required by law to contact the Ministry of Children and Families to arrange for the care of your child.

Please be aware that repeated incidents of late pick ups may jeopardize your child care service.

 

3. Unscheduled Closures

 

If weather conditions are extreme, the Society may feel it is in the best interest of our families and staff to close the daycare centres in the morning hours. News reports and road closures across the lower mainland are taken into consideration when making the decision to close. The procedure to take in the case of a possible unscheduled closure will be as follows:

• If you feel the weather may be questionable, please phone the Centres as the voice mail message will be changed by 6:15 am to notify parents of the status of the Centres.

• If weather conditions improve enough for the centres to re-open for 12:00pm, messages will be left on the Centres’ answering machines by 11:00am. It is your responsibility to call the daycare answering machines.

 

4. Fire or Earthquake Closure

 

Staff will take all reasonable precautions to ensure your child’s safety should a fire or an earthquake occur. Regular fire and earthquake drills are held with the children and emergency kits are part of the Centre’s equipment.

In the event of a fire or an earthquake, please pick up your child as soon as possible. If we are unable to use the Children’s Centre, it is likely that we will be at the BC Hydro Auditorium. When you pick up your child, it is imperative that you sign out your child. Also, please be aware, that in order to reduce confusion and anxiety during an emergency, lines of authority have

been established amongst centres and staff members.

 

5. Emergency Kits

 

The Society has group emergency packs for each program. Food, water and toiletries for the program are included in these emergency packs. The program will provide each family with a zip-lock bag which should be used to store personal items that will provide comfort to your child. We recommend two or three pictures, a toy or book, a cuddly stuffed animal, an out of town contact information (phone number-work and home) All of these items must fit into the zip-lock bag that is provided. If there are changes to your contact numbers please update these in the emergency kit.

Please make sure your child’s personal emergency pack is brought to your child’s program by the first day of his/her attendance.