How Asthma-Friendly is Your Childcare Setting?
Q. What is asthma, and is it serious?
A. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Each
year, asthma causes approximately 570,000 emergency department
visits and nearly 170,000 hospitalizations. It is a potentially
serious illness, which continues to kill children every year.
Q. What triggers an asthma episode (commonly called "asthma
attack")?
A. Inhaled allergens, cold air, and respirator viruses can
trigger an asthma episode. Physical or emotional stress may also
trigger an asthma episode.
Q. What happens during an asthma episode?
A. The child may have wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness,
and coughing.
Q. What can I do to make my childcare environment better
for children with asthma?
A. Eliminate all tobacco smoke in the environment; make sure
heating and air-conditioning systems work properly; reduce allergens
and irritants such as animal dander, molds, and strong chemical
fumes or odors.
Q. Can children with asthma participate in daily activities?
A. Yes, children with asthma may need some special attention,
but should be able to participate in most activities.
Medication in the Childcare Setting
Q. What types of medications are commonly given in childcare
settings?
A. Antibiotics, which are given only by prescription and help
fight bacterial infections; and over-the-counter medications,
or non-prescription products, such as cough and cold preparations.
Q. Should a child with "green, runny nose"
be given antibiotics?
A. The "green" nose secretion does not necessarily
indicate a need for antibiotic treatment. However, other infections
involving the sinuses or the ear may also be present and may require
antibiotic treatment.
Q. What are some guidelines for giving medication in
the childcare setting?
A. Medication should only be administered when it is absolutely
necessary (usually the parent can give the medication before and
after childcare); medications should be signed in by the parent;
medications should be stored in original container; medication
should be properly labeled with the child's name, name of the
medication, and time and amount of dose to be given.
Safe Environment in Family Childcare
Q. What is one of the most common causes of injury in
family or home childcare?
A. Infant walkers that move across the floor. These should
not be used in any childcare setting.
Q. What are some things to watch for to prevent choking
or strangulation?
A. Infant and toddlers should not have access to toys with
small parts or broken pieces; Crib slats should be spaced no more
than 2 3/8 inches apart.
Q. What are some ways to prepare for emergency situations?
A. Conduct monthly fire drills with children. Post clear instructions
for emergency procedures. Post emergency numbers and keep a copy
of every child's enrollment form near the phone and/or door. Identify
a neighbor who can assist in case of an emergency.
Using Sunscreen in the Childcare Setting
Q. Do sunscreens really protect children from the sun's
rays?
A. Sunscreens provide protection for a limited amount of time,
but not all day protection. However, there are different types
of sunscreen, and the protection level can be very different.
Q. What does SPF mean?
A. SPF, or "sun protection factor" provides an indication
of the protection that particular sunscreen has. Choose a sunscreen
with a SPF of 15 or greater.
Q. What ingredients should I look for in sunscreen?
A. Choose a sunscreen that will block the UVB rays (those that
cause sunburn) and the UVA rays (those that penetrate deeper into
the skin). Look for avobenzone, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide
in the product ingredients.
Q. When should I put on sunscreen?
A. Apply sunscreen to all sun-exposed skin areas about 30 minutes
before going outside.
Q. Should I use sunscreen on infants?
A. Because infants have sensitive skin, do not use sunscreen
on infants less than 6 months old. Keep young infants out of direct
sunlight by using shade and cover-up clothing.
Nutrition Activities in the Childcare Setting
Q. Why do children need calcium?
A. Calcium helps children develop strong bones and teeth.
Q. What are some foods that contain calcium?
A. Milk, buttermilk, cheese, home-made pudding, pizza with
cheese, ice cream.
Q. How much milk should children drink each day?
A. The amount of milk a child needs each day depends on the
age of the child. Children 1-3 years old need the equivalent of
2 cups of milk per day; children age 4-8 years need 3 cups per
day; adolescents age 9-18 years need 4 cups per day.
Burn Injury Prevention
Q. What is the most common cause of burns for children?
A. Scald burn injury, caused by hot liquids or steam, is the
most common among young children. Burns caused by flames (direct
contact with fire) are more common among older children.
Q. What causes burns?
A. In addition to fire or heat sources, and hot liquids, children
can be burned by electrical or chemical burns.
Q. What is a safe hot water temperature?
A. Set your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees F or below.
The lower the temperature, the lower the risk of burn injury.
