Sickness and Health - Who's Challenged? Children with Special Needs, or Their Caregivers?

What is the goal of inclusion? The goal is to present opportunities so that all children can reach their full potential through enhancing their learning abilities and offering a healthy and nurturing environment. It is part of equal rights for people with disabilities.

I don't know much about disabilities. Where can I get information? Ask the parents for information, or the medical personnel who work with the child. There also is lots of information available through libraries, the Internet, and local health departments or clinics.

How do I introduce the child to other children? You can ask the parents to help you with this. Or, if the child is older, ask him or her what terminology they prefer. The child may even want to talk to the other children directly.

Safety - Doors Can Be Dangerous

How can a door be dangerous? Serious injuries, including broken bones and amputations, can occur if a child's finger or hand is crushed between the hinge area of the door and the door jamb.

Do automatic door closers help prevent injury? An automatic door closer can slow down the door as it closes. This helps prevent trapped fingers at the latch (doorknob) side of the door. It may not help prevent entrapment at the hinge side of the door.

Are glass doors safe? Glass doors should have shatterproof or wired glass. Also, place a visual warning (such as vinyl window decorations) on the glass to prevent someone walking into the glass.

What is a door hinge guard? It is a flexible strip that covers the space between the door and the door jamb on the hinge side of the door. Children are then unable to insert their fingers into the space.

Nutrition - Nutrition Education for Preschoolers

What are some appropriate nutrition concepts for preschoolers? Names and sources of foods; need to eat a variety of foods; some foods are healthier than others; foods have different textures, shapes, colors, smells and tastes.

How do preschoolers learn about nutrition? Preschoolers learn by doing, so hands-on activities are most appropriate. Art projects, songs, games, stories, field trips, role playing, food models, and puzzles are a some appropriate activities.

How can I involve parents? Tell parents what you are teaching their children. Invite them to visit the program and participate in hands-on nutrition activities. Provide take-home activities related to nutrition.

Are there nutrition education programs available for preschoolers? There are both single topic (such as "milk" or "apples") and multi-topic (nutrition) curriculums available. Also, nutrition education should be included in a comprehensive health education curriculum.

Are their safety issues to consider? Always consider safety issues such as choking and food allergies, as well as appropriateness for the age and developmental level of the children.

Medicine Chest - Fever Facts

What is fever? It is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It is not a disease, but is the body's response to an outside stimulus, such as an infection.

Are fevers dangerous? A fever of 100 degrees F in an infant is serious and a doctor should be called. For children over one year of age, a low fever is usually not as dangerous. It's rare, but a fever can major problems such as convulsions.

What is heatstroke? Heatstroke can occur when a person "overheats" due to too much clothing and exercise in hot humid weather, or when left in a hot area, such as a vehicle. The body temperature can quickly rise to life threatening degrees.

How should you take a child's temperature? In a childcare program, it usually is easiest and safest to take the temperature with an ear (tympanic) thermometer or under the arm (axillary).

Staff Health - All About Hypertension

What is hypertension? Hypertension is high blood pressure. This is when the readings consistently are above 140 over 90.

How will I know if I have hypertension? There may be no symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to have your blood pressure checked regularly.

What is the treatment? Your physician will work with you to develop a treatment plan. It may include weight management, limiting salt, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, or exercising more. There are also medications which can help control blood pressure.