When to Exclude a Child from Care
What are two reasons a child should not attend care due to illness?
Illness prevents participation or requires more care than staff can provide safely.
What is used to determine disease exclusions?
Texas DSHS (25 TAC §97.7)
What’s the first step when a child becomes ill but it’s not an emergency?
Contact the parent.
What should be done first for a serious injury?
Call EMS or take to the ER.
Where must a first-aid kit be available?
Each building, during field trips, and when transporting children.
What is the minimum oral temperature for exclusion if accompanied by symptoms?
Above 101°F
After how long can a child with chickenpox return to care?
When lesions are dry or after 24 hours with no new lesions.
Where should an ill child be kept while waiting to be picked up?
Apart from other children.
When is CPR or first aid required?
When needed for injury or emergency.
Name three required items in the kit.
Bandages, antiseptic wipes, scissors, gauze, gloves, thermometer, etc.
Name 3 symptoms or signs of possible severe illness.
Lethargy, abnormal breathing, 2+ vomiting episodes, uncontrolled diarrhea, rash with fever, mouth sores with drooling, etc.
What is the exclusion requirement for conjunctivitis?
Until cleared by a physician or symptom-free.
What additional hygiene practice should caregivers do for vomiting/diarrhea cases?
Extra handwashing and sanitation.
Besides EMS and the parent, who else may need to be contacted during an emergency?
Child’s physician or healthcare provider.
What are the storage rules for the kit?
Labeled, clean, accessible to staff, stored in known location, out of children's reach.
Can a child attend care if they have a fever but no other symptoms?
Only if a medical evaluation clears them.
Name two diseases that require 24 hours fever-free (no meds) before returning.
Flu, common cold, strep throat, etc.
If a child has an illness requiring hospitalization, what’s the immediate action?
Call EMS or transport after ensuring others are supervised
What must caregivers ensure while responding to a child’s emergency?
Supervision of the other children.
What is the rule about expiration of first-aid items?
Supplies must not be expired.
What must happen before a child with a diagnosed communicable disease can return?
Must have medical documentation showing they’re no longer contagious.
What 3 criteria can allow a child to return after exclusion for disease?
Physician’s certificate, health authority permit, or meeting official readmission criteria.
If a child’s illness requires emergency care, who else should you contact?
Parent, physician (if applicable), ensure supervision of other children.
Supervision of the other children.
If the injury is serious or life-threatening (e.g., severe bleeding, unconsciousness, etc.).
Why are glass thermometers not recommended?
Risk of mercury exposure if broken.