DCF 40 Hours Child Care (HSAN) Health, Safety, and Nutrition (2019)| 152 questions and answers.

Appetite A desire to eat. Isolation Area A designated area for a child who becomes ill at the facility, which must be away from the other, healthy children. Safety Hazards Things in the environment that can be identified as dangerous to one's health and welfare. Communicable Disease Disease that can be spread from one person to another. Disinfect To kill germs on surfaces or objects by using chemicals. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove all germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection. Impermeable Surface A surface that is resistant to water, chemicals, and other fluids. These surfaces are required in areas such as changing stations, playpens, cots, and sleeping mats. Vaccine A product that protects an individual from contracting an infectious disease by stimulating their immune system. Health The total well-being of a person—including the physical, mental, and social self—in the absence of disease or other abnormal conditions. Clean To remove dirt, debris, and germs by scrubbing and washing with soap (or detergent) and water. The process does not necessarily kill germs, but lowers the risk of spreading infection. Evacuation Plan Procedures for getting children and staff out of a building; applied during fire drills and other emergency situations. Immunizations The process of administering a vaccine to make an individual protected from contracting an infectious disease. Nutrition The processes by which a person, animal, or plant takes in and utilizes food substances. Sanitize The process of destroying or reducing organisms to a safe level; including properly cleaned equipment and surfaces, such as sinks and sleep mats. Child care programs have a responsibility to maintain an environment that will promote children's health. What is health? Health is the total well-being of the child—including the physical, emotional, social, and mental self—in the absence of disease or abnormal conditions. Characteristics of a healthy environment that promote good health practices include: -Clean work and play areas -Proper hygiene practices -Implementation and routine practice of a written health policy Written policies regarding health practices are essential to maintaining a healthy environment in your child care program. -All policies should be accessible to all staff -At hire, employees should be given a copy of the policies -Rules should be posted and given to families Why is it important to have policies written? -To ensure parents and child care professionals are aware of procedures -To make sure everyone follows the same rules Establishing and following a written policy is an effective way of maintaining a safe and healthy child care program. Following your program's written health policies will help to ensure that the children in your care have an environment that is as free of disease as possible. Observation plays an essential role in determining a healthy environment and assists the caregiver in assessing the state of a child's health. A healthy child has a good appetite, appearance, and activity level. How are each of the senses used to observe a child? We can use our senses—sight, touch, sound, and smell—when checking for signs of wellness and/or illness. Sight - look at the child's complexion; observe for signs of pain or discomfort, such as limping, droopy eyes, or a runny nose Sound - listen to how the child is breathing, or if they are coughing or sniffling; listen to their words about how they are feeling Touch - does the child feel warm to the touch; does the child flinch when you touch them Smell - pay attention to how the child smells; for example, their breath Why is it important to use more than one sense at a time to observe warning signs? You cannot make a complete observation based on one small detail. For example, a red eyelid may not mean the presence of pink eye. Appetite -Can eat an appropriate amount of food at meal times -Will consume a variety of foods -Is interested in eating -Appears content after meals and snacks Appearance -Has clear, bright eyes -Has clear skin -Has age-appropriate muscles -Gains steadily in height and body weight Activity -Has plenty of energy (not hyperactive) -Is alert -Sleeps soundly -Has few aches and pains An emotionally healthy child usually reflects happy, cheerful feelings. A socially healthy child is friendly most of the time, interacts with other children, and enjoys quiet activities that require concentration. A mentally healthy child is interested in new experiences, and is usually confident and adaptable. The three A's of a healthy child are: Appetite, Appearance, and Activity. The term "special needs" refers to children who have medical, physical, emotional, or behavioral conditions that delay or affect development. Short term illness requires special attention for a brief period of time. Short-term illness vs. long term illness -Ear infection vs. hearing loss -A common cold vs. asthma -A sprained ankle vs. a foot deformity -Distress over a fight with another child vs. depression caused by a significant life event Sick Child -Weepy or red eyes -Sores, unusual spots, or rashes -Looks tired -Poor appetite -Appears distressed Healthy Child -Clear, bright eyes -Clear skin -Active -Typical growth and weight gain -Appears happy/content When making a health assessment it is important to observe a child's behavior, face, and body characteristics Daily health checks are a good way of preventing, identifying, and controlling illness in a child care environment. The main goals are to know the children in your care and to provide good care. Daily health checks will help you know your children's routine behavior, reduce the spread of infection, draw attention to children with obvious signs of illness, and foster good communication with parents. The (Behavior) signs to observe in a daily health check -General mood (unusually quiet, irritable, drowsy, or restless) -Unusual behavior -Activity level -Breathing difficulties (labored) -Severe coughing or sneezing -Hoarseness The (Physical) signs to observe in a daily health check -Skin color (flushed or pale, dry or clammy, hot) -Unusual spots, rashes -Swelling or bruises -Sores -Discharge from nose, ears, eyes -Eyes red, irritated, sensitive to light