Sickness & Health - Excluding Children Due to Illness

What are reasons to exclude children? The child does not feel well enough to participate in activities; the child requires more care than staff can provide while still caring for other children; and exclusion for the condition or symptoms is recommended in national guidelines.

What are some illnesses that will require exclusion? Tuberculosis, impetigo, chickenpox, mumps, hepatitis A, measles, and rubella all require exclusion until an appropriate health care provider or health official approves their return.

Does a child with fever have to be excluded? Fever alone is not a reason to exclude a child. Fever is a symptom, not a disease.

What are conditions that require exclusion? Fever with other symptoms, rash with fever, pinkeye with thick mucus or pus, untreated scabies or head lice, or any time the child is so sick that he or she cannot participate in daily routine activities.

Safety First - Recognizing and Reporting Abuse

What are outward signs of neglect? Slovenly or careless dressing, dirty clothes, poor hygiene, sores or skin conditions that are not properly treated, signs of hunger.

What are some signs of physical abuse? Unusual bruises or bruises in various stages of healing, immersion burns, multiple broken bones.

Are these always signs of abuse? No, caregivers should take the information in context. For example, caregivers should learn to distinguish between signs of poverty and neglect.

Nutrition Action - Calcium, Calcium, Calcium!

Why do children need calcium? Calcium is essential for the formation of bones and maintenance of bone strength, for teeth, and for proper function of the heart, muscles, and nerves.

I have a child who drinks sodas instead of milk. Is this a problem? The phosphorus in many carbonated beverages affects the calcium metabolism of the body and may cause problems. Also, caffeine causes the body to lose extra calcium through the urine

What if a child will not drink milk? There are other dairy products rich in calcium, such as yogurt and cheese. Other non-dairy foods also contain calcium, such as calcium-fortified orange juice and dark green leafy vegetables.

What is lactose intolerance? Some individuals lack the enzyme lactase, which is necessary to digest the milk sugar (lactose). When these children drink milk, they may have flatulence, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.

The Medicine Chest - Teething and Oral Care for Infants and Toddlers:

How will I know when an infant begins teething? Teethers may drool, chew on their fingers or toys, or have trouble sleeping or eating because of the discomfort. They may also be irritable and may have red or swollen gums.

Can teething cause fever? Teething is not known to cause high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections, or coughing.

How can I soothe the pain? Give extra attention and TLC to the teether. Giving the child a clean, cool wash cloth to chew on, or a chilled teething ring may help. Also, rubbing the gums with your clean finger may help.

What about teething gels and other medication? Teething gels are not recommended; too much gel can cause difficulty swallowing or breathing. Also, avoid giving alcoholic beverages, or placing aspirin on the gums.

Health & You - Preventing Back Pain

What causes most back pain? Most back pain is either in the low back or in the neck. These areas of the back have the least skeletal (bone) support.

How can I prevent back pain? The best way is to strengthen the muscle that supports the back and internal organs in the area below the rib cage.