What Would You Do?
A child develops a fever during the day and is clearly uncomfortable. What should staff do?
Separate the child from the group while continuing to supervise them, contact the parent/guardian, and arrange for pickup within 1 hour.
A teacher realizes the wipes are across the classroom and steps away from a child lying on the diapering table to get them. What's wrong?
A child can never be left unattended on the diapering surface. Supplies must be kept within arm's reach.
A child vomited last night but seems energetic this morning. How long must they be able to keep food and liquids down before returning?
24 hours, with no other symptoms.
A child doesn't sleep and has rested for 30 minutes. What can staff offer them?
Developmentally appropriate quiet activities such as books, puzzles, drawing, or manipulatives while maintaining supervision.
True or False: Children under 2 can watch a short educational video as long as the teacher watches it with them.
False. Screen-based media is not permitted for children under 2.
A parent arrives for pickup and says, "Can you just sign her out for me? My hands are full." What should you do?
The guardian must complete the sign-out. YMCA staff are not permitted to sign children out of the program for the day.
A teacher puts on a cartoon during cleanup because the children are getting loud. What's the problem?
Technology cannot be used for behavior management/crowd control or passive entertainment.
A child receives vaccines Monday afternoon. The family wants to bring them in Tuesday morning. What does the handbook say?
The child must stay home for the first 24 hours after receiving a new medication, including vaccines.
At minimum, how frequently should diapers be changed?
At least every 2 hours, plus as needed for bowel movements.
True or False: A serious injury, illness, or concern should only be communicated to the family through ClassDojo.
False. Serious injuries, illnesses, and concerns are addressed with parents/guardians via phone call.
An unfamiliar adult arrives and says, "Her mom told me I could pick her up," but the adult is not authorized in writing. What do you do?
Do not release the child. Ask for identification and verify proper written authorization through administration.
A staff member gives a child a Mindful Moment Break in an unsupervised hallway. What's wrong?
A child cannot be left unsupervised. Mindful Moments must be implemented safely and with appropriate supervision.
A child develops a rash but has no fever. What documentation may be required before returning?
A physician's note stating the rash is not contagious.
A potty-training child has three or more accidents per day for three days. What may the family be asked to do?
Temporarily return the child to diapers or pull-ups until they can remain dry throughout the day.
True or False: A parent can verbally authorize a new person to pick up their child that afternoon.
False. Authorization must be provided in writing.
A child is sent home sick Tuesday afternoon. The family says the child feels better and wants to bring them back Wednesday morning. What does the handbook require?
The child must remain home for at least 24 hours and may not attend the program at any time the next day.
A teacher tells a potty-training child, "You're a big kid now. You have to sit on the toilet until you go." What's wrong?
Children may never be forced, pressured, or coerced into using the toilet.
A child has an allergy requiring an EpiPen. Name two things that are required.
Acceptable answers include:
How many full changes of clothing must be available for a potty-training child?
A minimum of 3
True or False: Once a family begins potty training, the classroom teachers are responsible for potty training the child.
False. Staff support and assist the family, but the handbook emphasizes consistency and partnership between home and the center.
During an emergency evacuation, a parent asks a teacher to drive their child home. What should the teacher say?
YMCA staff may not transport program participants. Staff must follow the emergency plan and authorized pickup procedures.
A staff member tells a crying child, "You don't get your water until you stop crying." What is the problem?
Staff may not withhold a child's basic needs as a form of discipline.
A parent verbally asks you to give their child a different dose than what's written on the medication label. What do you do?
Do not change the dose. Staff must follow the prescription/medication directions. A change requires proper written physician instructions. Justine and Andie are certified to administer medication.
You're helping one child in the bathroom. What supervision responsibility do you still have for the rest of the group?
Staff must maintain line-of-sight and/or auditory supervision of the other children and cannot leave the group unattended
True or False: A child may lose gross-motor time as a consequence for unsafe behavior.
Gross-motor activity should not be withheld as discipline.