Health, Condition & Safety Guide for Young Children PDF

HEALTH, CONDITION, AND SAFETY GROUP 6  INTRODUCTION "Health, Nutrition, and Safety" is a crucial lesson that underscores the fundamental principles of promoting well-being and safeguarding individuals in various environments. This comprehensive course delves into the intricate interp...

HEALTH, CONDITION, AND SAFETY GROUP 6  INTRODUCTION "Health, Nutrition, and Safety" is a crucial lesson that underscores the fundamental principles of promoting well-being and safeguarding individuals in various environments. This comprehensive course delves into the intricate interplay between health, nutrition, and safety, highlighting their profound impact on individuals' physical, mental, and emotional welfare.  STANDARD THE PROGRAM PROMOTES HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND SAFETY OF INFANTS, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN THROUGH THE EDUCATION OF THE CENTER STAFF AND PARENTS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND SAFETY PRACTICES, AND THE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM ILLNESSES AND INJURIES.  GUIDELINES A. HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES FOR INFANTS, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN ARE MADE AVAILABLE IN COORDINATION WITH THE BARANGAY HEALTH CENTER/RURAL HEALTH UNIT PHYSICIAN, MIDWIFE, DENTIST, AND THE BARANGAY HEALTH WORKER/BARANGAY NUTRITION SCHOLAR OR BY A PRIVATE LICENSED PHYSICIAN/NURSE AND DENTIST. THE CDC/LC ENSURES THAT EACH CHILD HAS ACCESS TO A THOROUGH HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT USING AGE- APPROPRIATE SCREENING OF THE DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONESTO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO VISION, HEARING, AND ORAL HEALTH NEEDS.  GUIDELINES 1. A WRITTEN HEALTH RECORD IS MAINTAINED FOR EACH CHILD AS PART OF HIS/HER INDIVIDUAL RECORD AND CONSIDERED BY THE STAFF IN THE CENTER’S ACTIVITIES. THE RECORD INCLUDES BUT NOT LIMITED TO: 1.1 RECORD ON THE RESULTS OF THE HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT BY A PHYSICIAN/ HEALTH WORKER, 1.2 RECORD OF IMMUNIZATION, 1.3 PERTINENT HEALTH HISTORY RELATED TO ALLERGIES OR CHRONIC CONDITIONS, 1.4 LOG OF MEDICATIONS, INJURY REPORTS, AND HEALTH OBSERVATIONS CONDUCTED BY HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND 1.5 PHYSICIAN’S WRITTEN ORDERS OR PRESCRIPTIONS.  GUIDELINES 2. INFANTS, TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN ARE REFERRED BY THE CDC/LC STAFF TO AN ACCESSIBLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT (LGU) HEALTH FACILITY OR PRIVATE HEALTH CLINIC FOR THE PROVISION OF THE FOLLOWING HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES WHICH MAY INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO: 2.1 VACCINES UNDER THE EXPANDED PROGRAM ON IMMUNIZATION 2.2 (EPI) AS MANDATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, 2.3 INFORMATION AND SUPPORT ON EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING, COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING WITH CONTINUED BREASTFEEDING AND PROPER NUTRITION, MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION (VITAMIN A, 2.4 MICRONUTRIENT POWDER AND IRON), 2.5 DEWORMING, 2.6 ORAL HEALTH CARE, AND 2.7 GROWTH MONITORING AND PROMOTION (MEASUREMENT OF WEIGHT, HEIGHT/LENGTH).  GUIDELINES 3. THE CDC/LC MAY SERVE AS A VENUE FOR THE PROVISION OF THE ABOVE HEALTH AND NUTRITION SERVICES AND MAY INVITE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS FROM GOVERNMENT OR PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES TO ADMINISTER THE SAME. 4. THE CENTER HAS A PLAN FOR THE CARE OF A SICK CHILD. 4.1. THE CENTER HAS A WRITTEN PROTOCOL FOR THE CARE OF MILDLY ILL CHILDREN, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MEETING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS FOR FOOD, DRINK, REST, AND COMFORT. 4.2. SICK CHILDREN MANIFESTING FEVER AND RASH SHALL BE ISOLATED FROM THE REST OF THE LEARNERS, AND IMMEDIATELY SENT HOME. 4.3. THE CENTER STAFF REFER THE SICK CHILD TO THE NEAREST HEALTH FACILITY FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT AND URGENT CARE, IF NEEDED, WHILE WAITING TO BE FETCHED BY HIS/HER PARENT. IN THE PROCESS, THE CENTER STAFF NOTIFY THE PARENTS IMMEDIATELY. 4.4. THE CENTER STAFF OBTAIN FROM THE PARENT THE INFORMATION OF THE CHILD’S MEDICAL CONDITION UPON ASSESSMENT OF A PHYSICIAN.  GUIDELINES 5. THE CENTER HAS EXCLUSION POLICIES FOR SERIOUS ILLNESSES AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES LIKE COLDS, COUGH, FLU, MUMPS, MEASLES, ETC. IN CONFORMANCE WITH REGULATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE DEPT. OF HEALTH. 4.6. THE CENTER STAFF WHO BECOME ILL WITH CONTAGIOUS DISEASES ARE EXCUSED FROM CONTACT WITH CHILDREN AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. 4 4.7. THE PARENT MUST PRESENT A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE/CLEARANCE FROM A PUBLIC/PRIVATE PHYSICIAN UPON RETURN OF THE CHILD TO THE CDC/LC. 5. THE CENTER ENSURES THAT ALL APPROPRIATE ACTIONS WILL BE TAKEN SO THAT HEALTH AND NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN INCLUDING THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND/OR DISABILITIES ARE MET. 5.1. THE CENTER HAS A WRITTEN PROTOCOL FOR THE CARE OF MALNOURISHED CHILDREN (UNDERWEIGHT, STUNTED AND WASTED) AND INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MEETING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS, UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT THE CHILDREN MAY BE ABLE TO RECOVER OR GET BACK TO A NORMAL STATUS. 5.2. PARENTS ARE TO BE PROVIDED WITH INFORMATION AND EDUCATION ON HOW TO BEST CONTRIBUTE IN ADDRESSING CASES OF UNDERWEIGHT, STUNTING, AND WASTING.  GUIDELINES B. THE CENTER PROVIDES FOOD, NUTRITION AND DIETARY SERVICES THAT PROMOTE PROPER NUTRITION AND HEALTHY EATING HABITS OF YOUNG CHILDREN THAT CONFORM WITH THE UPDATED NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR FILIPINOS. 6. THE CENTER INFORMS PARENTS OF THE NUTRITIOUS FOODS THAT WILL BE SERVED TO THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN. 7. WRITTEN MENU INFORMATION FOR THE FOOD PREPARATION IS POSTED IN VISIBLE AREAS, KEPT ON FILE AND IS PROVIDED TO PARENTS. 8. FOOD AND BEVERAGES ARE STORED, PREPARED AND SERVED IN A MANNER THAT ENSURES THAT THESE ARE FREE FROM SPOILAGE AND SAFE FOR EATING.  GUIDELINES 9. THE VARIETY OF FOODS SERVED TO YOUNG CHILDREN ENHANCE HEALTHY EATING HABITS AND BEHAVIOR AND BROADENS THE CHILD’S FOOD EXPERIENCES. 9.1. FOOD SERVICE IN THE CENTER MEETS INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND THE NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN. 9.2. FOODS THAT ARE HIGH IN FAT, SUGAR AND SALT ARE NOT SERVED TO REDUCE FUTURE LIFESTYLE-RELATED PROBLEMS IN ADULTHOOD E.G. HYPERTENSION, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, DIABETES, OBESITY AND DENTAL CARRIES. 9.3. STAFF MEMBERS ARE INFORMED BY PARENTS IN WRITING OF ANY SPECIAL DIETARY AND FEEDING NEEDS, FOOD ALLERGIES, AND VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS AND ARE FED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARENTAL OR PHYSICIAN ORDERS. 9.4. NO YOUNG CHILD IS DENIED A MEAL/SNACK FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN A WRITTEN MEDICAL DIRECTION. 9.5. FOODS ARE SERVED IN A RELAXED SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE THAT MODELS PROPER EATING HABITS.  GUIDELINES 9.6. SUFFICIENT TIME IS ALLOWED FOR EACH YOUNG CHILD TO EAT. 9.7. YOUNG CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSUME FOOD ACCORDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY; UNFINISHED FOOD SHOULD BE BROUGHT HOME TO REDUCE FOOD WASTAGE. 9.8. MEALS AND SNACK TIME ARE SOCIAL INTERACTION ACTIVITIES AND PROVIDE LEARNING EXPERIENCES ON PROPER EATING HABITS TO YOUNG CHILDREN. 9.9. YOUNG CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED WITHOUT COERCION OR NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES TO EAT A WELL-BALANCED DIET, AND FOOD IS NOT USED AS A REWARD OR PUNISHMENT. 10. OPPORTUNITIES ARE PROVIDED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN TO BE INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE PREPARATION AND SERVING OF MEALS AND STAFF AND THESE CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED TO EAT TOGETHER.  GUIDELINES C. THE CENTER ENSURES FOOD AND WATER SAFETY AND HYGIENE. 11. THE CENTER PROMOTES AND IMPLEMENTS PROPER HAND WASHING PRACTICES FOR CHILDREN AND STAFF AND HAND WASHING MESSAGES ARE PROPERLY DISPLAYED IN DINING AND TOILET FACILITIES. 12. A SOURCE OF CLEAN AND SANITARY DRINKING WATER IS AVAILABLE TO YOUNG CHILDREN AND IF PUBLIC OR PRIVATE WELL IS USED, THE CENTER PROVIDES EVIDENCE THAT THE WATER SOURCE HAS BEEN INSPECTED AND APPROVED BY THE AUTHORIZED AGENCY. 13. FOODS ARE PROPERLY PREPARED IN A CLEAN FACILITY, STORED IN CLEAN COVERED CONTAINERS AND SERVED SAFELY AND IF TRANSPORTED, THESE SHOULD BE IN APPROPRIATE SANITARY CONTAINERS.  GUIDELINES 14. NON-DISPOSABLE DISHES, BOTTLES, DRINKING AND EATING UTENSILS ARE THOROUGHLY WASHED AND SANITIZED BEFORE USE. 15. ALL UNFINISHED FOOD PRODUCTS ARE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY. 16. ALL GARBAGE CONTAINERS USED ARE EMPTIED AND CLEANED DAILY AND ARE MAINTAINED IN SANITARY CONDITION. D. SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING PROGRAM IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS IS MADE AVAILABLE TO YOUNG CHILDREN. 17. THE SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING PROGRAM IS IMPLEMENTED IN COORDINATION WITH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT (LGU)/PARENTS. 18. MEALS PREPARED FOR SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING ARE WELL-PLANNED AND NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED.  GUIDELINES 19. THE CENTER COORDINATES WITH THE LGU/PARENTS IN PROMOTING THE USE OF LOCALLY MANUFACTURED AND INDIGENOUS FOODS AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY FOR THE SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING. 20. CHILDREN ON SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING ARE PROVIDED WITH EXPERIENCES THAT PROMOTE PROPER NUTRITION AND HEALTHY EATING HABITS. 21. CHILDREN ARE SUPERVISED DURING SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING BY THE CENTER STAFF WITH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF PARENTS. 22. COMMUNITY LEADERS AND LGU/PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH AND NUTRITION OFFICERS, NUTRITION COUNCILS/ COMMITTEES PARTICIPATE IN THE PREPARATION AND CONDUCT OF SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING PROGRAMS AND IN MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN.  GUIDELINES E. THE CENTER IMPLEMENTS A CLEAN AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND AN INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN AND STAFF. 23. THE CENTER AND ITS SURROUNDING AREA MAINTAIN A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT. 24. DISASTER MANAGEMENT TO INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, FIRE AND/OR EARTHQUAKE DRILLS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN ARE PROVIDED AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR. 25. THE CENTER IMPLEMENTS ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION AND HYGIENE. 25.1. THE WHOLE CENTER (INDOOR AND OUTDOOR) IS CLEANED AND MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE. 25.2. TRASH IS STORED IN SEGREGATED (I.E. BIODEGRADABLE AND NON- BIODEGRADABLE) AND COVERED DISPOSAL CONTAINERS, WHICH ARE EMPTIED DAILY.  GUIDELINES E. THE CENTER IMPLEMENTS A CLEAN AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND AN INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN AND STAFF. 25.3. ALL CLEANING SUPPLIES ARE STORED IN A SECURE PLACE OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. 26. MAJOR HOUSEKEEPING AND REPAIR ACTIVITIES ARE CONDUCTED WHEN CHILDREN ARE NOT AROUND. 27. THE CENTER HAS A PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING INJURIES, ACCIDENTS OR PROBLEMS THAT MAY OCCUR, WHICH REQUIRE RAPID RESPONSE ON THE PART OF THE STAFF. 27.1. INDIVIDUAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS AND INJURIES THAT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION OTHER THAN MINOR FIRST AID ARE RECORDED AND REPORTED TO THE PARENTS IMMEDIATELY.  GUIDELINES E. THE CENTER IMPLEMENTS A CLEAN AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND AN INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN AND STAFF. 27.2. AT LEAST ONE TELEPHONE OR CELLULAR PHONE IS MADE AVAILABLE ON THE SCHOOL PREMISES FOR THIS PURPOSE. 27.3. INJURY LOG THAT INCLUDES THE NAME OF THE CHILD; DATE, TIME AND LOCATION OF ACCIDENT; DESCRIPTION OF INJURY AND HOW IT OCCURRED; TREATMENT GIVEN AND NAME OF THE PERSON WHO GAVE THE TREATMENT, AND NAMES OF WITNESSES. 28. THE STAFF ADMINISTER BASIC FIRST AID TREATMENT IN CASES OF SLIGHT INJURIES/BRUISES.  GUIDELINES E. THE CENTER IMPLEMENTS A CLEAN AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND AN INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN AND STAFF. 28.1. A FIRST AID KIT IS AVAILABLE AT ALL TIMES IN THE CENTER AND IS REPLENISHED AS OFTEN AS NECESSARY. 28.2. THERE ARE PROCEDURES FOR INJURY PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL EMERGENCIES DURING FIELD TRIPS. THE CENTER ENSURES THAT A FIRST AID KIT AND LIST OF EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR THE CHILDREN ARE AVAILABLE ON ANY FIELD TRIP  GUIDELINES F. THE CENTER IMPLEMENTS A CHILD PROTECTION PROGRAM. 29. CHILDREN’S PROTECTION IS ENSURED AT ALL TIMES IN THE CENTER. 30. THE CENTER FACILITATES THE CONDUCT OF CHILD-PROTECTION SEMINARS RELATED TO CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, PARTICIPATED BY THE PARENTS AND AUTHORIZED GUARDIANS/CAREGIVERS. WRITTEN PROCEDURES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PROTECTING CHILDREN AGAINST ABUSE AND NEGLECT. 31. STAFF RECEIVE TRAINING REGARDING POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ABOUT REPORTING SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT. 32. THE CENTER COOPERATES IN THE INVESTIGATION OF CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT, INCLUDING IDENTIFYING THE PARENTS OF CURRENTLY OR PREVIOUSLY ENROLLED CHILDREN IN THE CENTER, DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO ANY AUTHORIZED PERSON FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE ALLEGATION, AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN, IF APPLICABLE. CONCLUSIONS IN CONCLUSION, THE LESSON ON HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND SAFETY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION UNDERSCORES THE CRITICAL IMPORTANCE OF PRIORITIZING THE WELL- BEING OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS. BY FOCUSING ON THESE THREE CORE ASPECTS, EDUCATORS ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NECESSARY TO CREATE NURTURING ENVIRONMENTS THAT SUPPORT CHILDREN'S PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.