PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Kids Come First has established a protocol in accordance with the Child Care Early Years ACT (CCEYA) regarding Children with medical needs. An individualized plan will be developed for each child with medical needs, which will include all necessary steps, to support the child’s medical needs and ensure his or her inclusion in the program.
POLICY
INTENT
All children and staff of Kids Come First Child Care Services (Kids Come First) are entitled to a safe and healthy learning environment in our programs that is inclusive for all children, including children with medical needs. A child with medical needs is defined as a child who has one or more chronic or acute medical conditions and he or she requires additional supports or accommodations. For example, a child with diabetes may require that a staff check the child’s blood sugar levels with a glucose monitor several times a day.
An individualized medical plan must be developed in consultation with the parent of the child and any regulated professional involved in the child’s care who the parent believes should be consulted. Kids Come First staff are required to maintain the confidentiality of a child’s medical history including diagnosis. Sensitive or confidential medical information and detailed reports from medical professionals will not be included in the plan unless consent, in writing, has been given by the parent.
A child that has an anaphylaxis allergy is only required to have an individualized anaphylaxis plan. An individual medical plan is not required.
In order to provide a safe environment for children with medical needs, Kids Come First will ensure that strategies are developed in conjunction with parents and that all staff, volunteers and students will be educated about the children’s medical needs and protocols prior to the child’s or staff’s first day.
Kids Come First will ensure that training for staff and students is held prior to commencing employment, and when a new child is registered and annually each fall.
MEDICAL NEEDS PLAN
Kids Come First will create a section in the Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan binder for all children with Medical Needs Protocol Plans. These plans will be available to staff and any volunteers that are in the program. This binder will include a child’s individual plan for emergency procedures in the event of medical crisis as well as an evacuation.