DCF Health, Safety, and Nutrition, HSAN -
Health, Safety and Nutrition, CAAN -
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and
Neglect, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, CAAN-Identifying & Reporting
Child Abuse.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
What are the qualities of a Healthy Environment? - ansClean work and play area, proper
hygiene practices, implementation and routine practice of a writen health policy.
Why establish and follow a written health policy? - ansIt is an effective way of maintaining a
safe and healthy child care program.
How do you know if your program has a written policy? - ansAsk your VPK program
director and it usually posted in various areas like sink, kitchen, table
Why should policies be written? - ans1. To ensure parents and child care professionals are
aware of procedures 2 to make sure everyone follows same rules.
How is each sense used to observe a child (touch)? - ansCheck for too much warmth or
coldness.
How is each sense used to observe a child (smell)? - ansCheck for a bad smell or a change of
smell.
How is each sense used to observe a child (taste)? - ansAsk child if they taste something
funny
How is each sense used to observe a child (sound)? - ansCheck for breathing is it easy or
ragged, etc.
How is each sense used to observe a child (sight)? - ansFirst observation of seeing a child's
appearance and check all areas from head to toe.
The three A's of a healthy child are - ansAppetite, Appearance and Activity
Appetite signs of a healthy child are - ansCan eat an appropriate amount of food at meal
times. Will Consume a variety of foods. Is interested in eating? Appears content after
meals/snacks.
Appearance signs of healthy child are - ansHas clear, bright eyes, clear skin, age appriopiate
muscles, gains steadily in height/body weight
Activity signs of a healthy child are - ansHas plenty of energy (not hyperactive), is alert,
sleeps soundly and has few aches and pains.
Emotional health of a healthy child are - ansa child who usually reflects happy, cheerful
feelings
Social health of a healthy child are - ansa child who is friendly most of the time, interacts
with other children and enjoys quiet activities that require concentration.
Menal health of a healthy child are - ansa child who is interested in new experiences and is
usally confident and adaptable.
Is a child with short-term emotional illness or disability a child with special needs. - ansNo
Can you give examples of short-term illness or disability? - ansEar infections vs. hearing
loss; cold vs. asthma; sprained ankle vs. foot deformity; distress over fight vs. depression
,DCF Health, Safety, and Nutrition, HSAN -
Health, Safety and Nutrition, CAAN -
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and
Neglect, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, CAAN-Identifying & Reporting
Child Abuse.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
What can you do to know what is normal for a particular child? - ansAsk the parents for signs
of well-being and their child normal displays.
Daily checks are a good way of: - anspreventing, identifing and controlling illness in a child
care environment.
Signs to observe in a daily health check in Behavior is: - ansgeneral mood (quiet, irritable,
drousy, restless), unusual behavior, activity level, breathing difficulities, severe coughing,
sneezing, hoarseness.
Signs to observe in a daily health chec in Face and Body: - ansSkin color (flused, pale, dry,
clammy, hot), unusual spots, raches, swelling or bruises, sores, discharge from nose, ears,
eyes, red look to eyes, irritated sensitive to light.
Signs to observe in a daily health check in general: - ansbowel movements (change in color,
oder, frequency), pain (screaming, crying, head-rolling), skin marks (rashes, bruises, cuts)
Appetite - ansdesire to eat
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom (AIDS) - ansA virus infection that renders the body
incapable of fighting off the most common diseases and is usually fatal. This is considered to
be the end stage of a HIV diagnosis.
Clean - ansTo remove dirt, debris and germs by scrubbing and washing with soap (or
detergent) and water. The process does not necessary kill germs, but lowers the risk of
spreading infection.
Communiable Disease - ansDisease that can be spread from one person to another.
Dehydration - ansExcessive water loss from the body or from an organ or bodily part.
Disease - ansan illness
Disinfectant - ansTo kill germs on surfaces or objects by using chemicals to lower the risk of
spreading infection
DTP - ansA vaccine for three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw) and pertussis (whooping
cough)
Evacuation Plan - ansProcedures for getting children and staff out of the building; applied
during the fire drills and any other emergency situation.
Health - ansThe total well being of the physical body (including the emotions, the mind and
the spirit) and the absence of disease or other abnormal condition.
Health Assessment - ansAn estimate of the state of health of a child based upon observation
of his or her health history and measurements of phyiscal growth.
Health History - ansA record of major health (and illness) events in a child's life including
immunization information.
,DCF Health, Safety, and Nutrition, HSAN -
Health, Safety and Nutrition, CAAN -
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and
Neglect, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, CAAN-Identifying & Reporting
Child Abuse.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
Hepatitis B - ansSerious viral disease of the liver involving gradual loss of appetite, abdomial
discomfot, nausea and vomiting, joint pain and rash. Often jaundice (yellowish tint of eyes
and skin) appears later.
Hib - ansA bateria that is the leading cause of baterial meningitis as well as pneumonia, joint
or bone infections and throat inflammations. This occurs most often in children during the
first five years of life.
HIV Positive - ansIndication through a blood test that one has been infected by the HIV virus,
a virus that causes AIDS.
Hunger - ansA phyiscal need for food.
Immunization - ansAdministration of a vaccine to make the body build up a defense against a
disease.
Impermeable surface - ansA 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.
Isolation Area - ansA designated area or a child who becomes ill at the facility.
MMR - ansA vaccine for three diseases; mumps, measles and rubela (Geman measles)
Nutrients - ansSpecific substances contained in food, which are necessary for good health
such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats.
Nutrition - ansThe foods that we eat and how our body uses them.
Nutrition Education - ansTeaching nutrition to prepare children to make correct food choices.
Safety Hazards - ansThings in the enviroment that can be identified as dangerous to one's
health and welfare.
Sanitize - ansThe process of destroying or reducing organisms to a safe level. Includes
properly cleaned equipment and surfaces, such as sinks and sleep mats.
Snacks - ansAny food eaten between formal meals.
Substance Abuse - ansOn-going use of a substance which is formally considered harmful to
the body and is often illegal (i.e. drugs, alcohol, tobacco)
Substance Exposed Infants/Children (birth to 12) - ansInfants and children whose mothers
have taken one or more illegal drugs while pregnant.
OPV - ansA vaccine fo polio which is given orally
Vaccine - ansA group of substances that produce immunity to disease in a person.
Heat Exhaustion - ansThe condition is caused by excessive sweating. The person's skin
becomes pale and clammy, and the person feels sick, dizzy, and/or faint. Pulse rate and
breathing become rapid, and a headache or muscle cramps may develop. Add 1 teaspoon of
salt to quart of water. Take action! Parents should be notified.
, DCF Health, Safety, and Nutrition, HSAN -
Health, Safety and Nutrition, CAAN -
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and
Neglect, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, CAAN-Identifying & Reporting
Child Abuse.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
Heat Stroke - ansOccurs because of prolonged exposure to very hot conditions. The
mechanism in the brain that regulates body temperature stops functioning, and the body's
temperature rapidly rises to 104 degree Fahrenheit. The person becomes flushed, with hot,
dry skin and a strong, rapid pulse. He or she quickly becomes confused or unconscious. Call
911 and notify parents
Dehydration - ansDry or very dry mouth. Little or no tears when crying. Less active than
usual, or very fussy. Infant will wet less than 6 diapers a day; a child will make fewer trps to
the restroom than he normally does. Eyes are sunken. Hands and feet are cool and blothcy.
Pulse may seem weak and fast. Child will not urinate for hours.
How can I tell if a child is sick? - ansCheck for three A's, if something seems odd check for
fever.
Mercury thermometer - ansis not recommended, if it breaks call Poison Control Center.
Yellow Fever - ansHeadache, jaundice, fever, vomiting and bleeding. Transmitted by
mosquitos. It must be reported to CDC.
Anthrax - ansReddish brown lesion that ulcerates and then forms a dark scab, later internal
hemorhage, muscle pain, fever, vomiting. Transmitted by direct contact. It must be reported
to CDC.
Campylobacter - ansDiarrhea, sometimes bloody, low grade fever abdominal cramping.
Transmited by bowel movement from hands to objects to mouth or possible drinking water.
Chicken Pox - ansSlight fever, fine blisters appear first on scalp then on face and body.
Isolation for 5-6 days after first appearance of blisters. Give acetaminophen for discomfort.
Common Cold - ansRunny nose, watery eyes, chilliness and malaise. Transmitted by contact
wth infected people., cough suppressants or decongestants
Conjunctivitis - ansPink Eye, Red eyes, eye discharge, crusted lids. Cannot attend child
care/school until released by private physician. Good hand washing for prevention. Treatment
Antibotics.
Aspirin - ansdo not give to children.
Coxsackie virus (Hand, foot and mouth disease) - ansMild fever, sore throat, sore mouth may
look like cankersores, can have rash on hands, feet and buttocks. Transmited by fecal-oral
route or respiratory secretion. Last for 3-6 days. Most infectious for 7 days after developing
symptoms. Good hand washing. This infection is killed by heat, ultraviolet light and bleach.
Diphtheria - ansSore throat and fever. Transmitted by contact with infected people. Last for
2-5 days. Isolated until 2 cultures from both nose and throat taken to show clear of bacilli.
Refer to CDC. Vaccinations for diphtheria.
Epidemic Meningitis - ansSudden onset of headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and
frequently fine, spotted rash. Varies from 2 to 10 days. Cannot attend school/child care until
Health, Safety and Nutrition, CAAN -
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and
Neglect, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, CAAN-Identifying & Reporting
Child Abuse.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
What are the qualities of a Healthy Environment? - ansClean work and play area, proper
hygiene practices, implementation and routine practice of a writen health policy.
Why establish and follow a written health policy? - ansIt is an effective way of maintaining a
safe and healthy child care program.
How do you know if your program has a written policy? - ansAsk your VPK program
director and it usually posted in various areas like sink, kitchen, table
Why should policies be written? - ans1. To ensure parents and child care professionals are
aware of procedures 2 to make sure everyone follows same rules.
How is each sense used to observe a child (touch)? - ansCheck for too much warmth or
coldness.
How is each sense used to observe a child (smell)? - ansCheck for a bad smell or a change of
smell.
How is each sense used to observe a child (taste)? - ansAsk child if they taste something
funny
How is each sense used to observe a child (sound)? - ansCheck for breathing is it easy or
ragged, etc.
How is each sense used to observe a child (sight)? - ansFirst observation of seeing a child's
appearance and check all areas from head to toe.
The three A's of a healthy child are - ansAppetite, Appearance and Activity
Appetite signs of a healthy child are - ansCan eat an appropriate amount of food at meal
times. Will Consume a variety of foods. Is interested in eating? Appears content after
meals/snacks.
Appearance signs of healthy child are - ansHas clear, bright eyes, clear skin, age appriopiate
muscles, gains steadily in height/body weight
Activity signs of a healthy child are - ansHas plenty of energy (not hyperactive), is alert,
sleeps soundly and has few aches and pains.
Emotional health of a healthy child are - ansa child who usually reflects happy, cheerful
feelings
Social health of a healthy child are - ansa child who is friendly most of the time, interacts
with other children and enjoys quiet activities that require concentration.
Menal health of a healthy child are - ansa child who is interested in new experiences and is
usally confident and adaptable.
Is a child with short-term emotional illness or disability a child with special needs. - ansNo
Can you give examples of short-term illness or disability? - ansEar infections vs. hearing
loss; cold vs. asthma; sprained ankle vs. foot deformity; distress over fight vs. depression
,DCF Health, Safety, and Nutrition, HSAN -
Health, Safety and Nutrition, CAAN -
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and
Neglect, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, CAAN-Identifying & Reporting
Child Abuse.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
What can you do to know what is normal for a particular child? - ansAsk the parents for signs
of well-being and their child normal displays.
Daily checks are a good way of: - anspreventing, identifing and controlling illness in a child
care environment.
Signs to observe in a daily health check in Behavior is: - ansgeneral mood (quiet, irritable,
drousy, restless), unusual behavior, activity level, breathing difficulities, severe coughing,
sneezing, hoarseness.
Signs to observe in a daily health chec in Face and Body: - ansSkin color (flused, pale, dry,
clammy, hot), unusual spots, raches, swelling or bruises, sores, discharge from nose, ears,
eyes, red look to eyes, irritated sensitive to light.
Signs to observe in a daily health check in general: - ansbowel movements (change in color,
oder, frequency), pain (screaming, crying, head-rolling), skin marks (rashes, bruises, cuts)
Appetite - ansdesire to eat
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom (AIDS) - ansA virus infection that renders the body
incapable of fighting off the most common diseases and is usually fatal. This is considered to
be the end stage of a HIV diagnosis.
Clean - ansTo remove dirt, debris and germs by scrubbing and washing with soap (or
detergent) and water. The process does not necessary kill germs, but lowers the risk of
spreading infection.
Communiable Disease - ansDisease that can be spread from one person to another.
Dehydration - ansExcessive water loss from the body or from an organ or bodily part.
Disease - ansan illness
Disinfectant - ansTo kill germs on surfaces or objects by using chemicals to lower the risk of
spreading infection
DTP - ansA vaccine for three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus (lockjaw) and pertussis (whooping
cough)
Evacuation Plan - ansProcedures for getting children and staff out of the building; applied
during the fire drills and any other emergency situation.
Health - ansThe total well being of the physical body (including the emotions, the mind and
the spirit) and the absence of disease or other abnormal condition.
Health Assessment - ansAn estimate of the state of health of a child based upon observation
of his or her health history and measurements of phyiscal growth.
Health History - ansA record of major health (and illness) events in a child's life including
immunization information.
,DCF Health, Safety, and Nutrition, HSAN -
Health, Safety and Nutrition, CAAN -
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and
Neglect, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, CAAN-Identifying & Reporting
Child Abuse.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
Hepatitis B - ansSerious viral disease of the liver involving gradual loss of appetite, abdomial
discomfot, nausea and vomiting, joint pain and rash. Often jaundice (yellowish tint of eyes
and skin) appears later.
Hib - ansA bateria that is the leading cause of baterial meningitis as well as pneumonia, joint
or bone infections and throat inflammations. This occurs most often in children during the
first five years of life.
HIV Positive - ansIndication through a blood test that one has been infected by the HIV virus,
a virus that causes AIDS.
Hunger - ansA phyiscal need for food.
Immunization - ansAdministration of a vaccine to make the body build up a defense against a
disease.
Impermeable surface - ansA 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.
Isolation Area - ansA designated area or a child who becomes ill at the facility.
MMR - ansA vaccine for three diseases; mumps, measles and rubela (Geman measles)
Nutrients - ansSpecific substances contained in food, which are necessary for good health
such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats.
Nutrition - ansThe foods that we eat and how our body uses them.
Nutrition Education - ansTeaching nutrition to prepare children to make correct food choices.
Safety Hazards - ansThings in the enviroment that can be identified as dangerous to one's
health and welfare.
Sanitize - ansThe process of destroying or reducing organisms to a safe level. Includes
properly cleaned equipment and surfaces, such as sinks and sleep mats.
Snacks - ansAny food eaten between formal meals.
Substance Abuse - ansOn-going use of a substance which is formally considered harmful to
the body and is often illegal (i.e. drugs, alcohol, tobacco)
Substance Exposed Infants/Children (birth to 12) - ansInfants and children whose mothers
have taken one or more illegal drugs while pregnant.
OPV - ansA vaccine fo polio which is given orally
Vaccine - ansA group of substances that produce immunity to disease in a person.
Heat Exhaustion - ansThe condition is caused by excessive sweating. The person's skin
becomes pale and clammy, and the person feels sick, dizzy, and/or faint. Pulse rate and
breathing become rapid, and a headache or muscle cramps may develop. Add 1 teaspoon of
salt to quart of water. Take action! Parents should be notified.
, DCF Health, Safety, and Nutrition, HSAN -
Health, Safety and Nutrition, CAAN -
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and
Neglect, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, (CGDR) Child Growth and
Development, CAAN-Identifying & Reporting
Child Abuse.
A Comprehensive Exam Study Guide Latest
Updated 2025/2026
Heat Stroke - ansOccurs because of prolonged exposure to very hot conditions. The
mechanism in the brain that regulates body temperature stops functioning, and the body's
temperature rapidly rises to 104 degree Fahrenheit. The person becomes flushed, with hot,
dry skin and a strong, rapid pulse. He or she quickly becomes confused or unconscious. Call
911 and notify parents
Dehydration - ansDry or very dry mouth. Little or no tears when crying. Less active than
usual, or very fussy. Infant will wet less than 6 diapers a day; a child will make fewer trps to
the restroom than he normally does. Eyes are sunken. Hands and feet are cool and blothcy.
Pulse may seem weak and fast. Child will not urinate for hours.
How can I tell if a child is sick? - ansCheck for three A's, if something seems odd check for
fever.
Mercury thermometer - ansis not recommended, if it breaks call Poison Control Center.
Yellow Fever - ansHeadache, jaundice, fever, vomiting and bleeding. Transmitted by
mosquitos. It must be reported to CDC.
Anthrax - ansReddish brown lesion that ulcerates and then forms a dark scab, later internal
hemorhage, muscle pain, fever, vomiting. Transmitted by direct contact. It must be reported
to CDC.
Campylobacter - ansDiarrhea, sometimes bloody, low grade fever abdominal cramping.
Transmited by bowel movement from hands to objects to mouth or possible drinking water.
Chicken Pox - ansSlight fever, fine blisters appear first on scalp then on face and body.
Isolation for 5-6 days after first appearance of blisters. Give acetaminophen for discomfort.
Common Cold - ansRunny nose, watery eyes, chilliness and malaise. Transmitted by contact
wth infected people., cough suppressants or decongestants
Conjunctivitis - ansPink Eye, Red eyes, eye discharge, crusted lids. Cannot attend child
care/school until released by private physician. Good hand washing for prevention. Treatment
Antibotics.
Aspirin - ansdo not give to children.
Coxsackie virus (Hand, foot and mouth disease) - ansMild fever, sore throat, sore mouth may
look like cankersores, can have rash on hands, feet and buttocks. Transmited by fecal-oral
route or respiratory secretion. Last for 3-6 days. Most infectious for 7 days after developing
symptoms. Good hand washing. This infection is killed by heat, ultraviolet light and bleach.
Diphtheria - ansSore throat and fever. Transmitted by contact with infected people. Last for
2-5 days. Isolated until 2 cultures from both nose and throat taken to show clear of bacilli.
Refer to CDC. Vaccinations for diphtheria.
Epidemic Meningitis - ansSudden onset of headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and
frequently fine, spotted rash. Varies from 2 to 10 days. Cannot attend school/child care until
