Journal 10 - Health Alert

Posting health alerts on the classroom door where the illness has occurred is a great communication tool. The health alert lets the parents know a contagious illness is spreading around the program and what the symptoms are, how to prevent the illness from spreading, and what to do if your child gets infected.

Health Alert:
It has recently been reported to the center that your child may have been exposed to Streptococcal Sore Throat - "Strep."

What it is:
Strep throat is a bacterial infection. Not every sore throat is strep.

What to look for:
Symptoms include;

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Oozing & redness of tonsils and throat

How it is spread:

• Inhaling respiratory droplets from an ill person
• Sneezing or coughing
• Indirect contact with hands or objects

If you suspect your child has been infected:
Isolate the child from the other children. Take the child to their pediatrician for a lab throat culture to diagnose strep.

What should be done to prevent the spread:

• Frequent hand washing
• Good personal hygiene practices should be followed
• Do not share eating utensils, food, or drinking cups
• Wash and sanitize toys mouthed by infants & toddlers

Journal 9 - Parent Policy

Parent handbooks are important. It is a book/pamphlet that has all the information that the families you serve need to know.

Authorization to pick up child

Your child will only be released to persons the parents have listed on the authorized pick up sections or emergency contacts section on the enrollment form. For security & safety issues, if someone other than the parents pick up the child from school they must be accompanied by their ID to prove identity (even if they are a relative). Once the front desk becomes familiar with that person picking up & recognizes them they may not be asked to show an ID. If the persons picking up does not have an idea or is not on the authorized list we will not release your child to them. We cannot get authorization over the phone or by word of mouth that someone that is not on the list is picking your child(ren) up. We MUST have written authorization signed by the parent to release the child(ren). 

Also, for safety & security purposes we ask that you do not give your door code that gives you access into the building to others picking up your child(ren). The parents are the only one who should have a door code. The front office will let in any other guests.
 

Journal 7 Dress for Success

I watched the episode of What Not To Wear about Tonya, a professional business owner. She had a wardrobe that Clinton & Stacy described at "blah." She had a lot of pinks and prints. However, her prints were too much and overpowering. In the 360 mirror, Tonya realized how 'frumpy' and 'boring.' Clinton told her the importance of quality not quantity. If a person is on a budget find a good quality piece every now and then and build your wardrobe. Also, they told Tonya to keep her hem line right above her knew for skirts and shorts. It is important as a business owner to look professional and look inviting. A person should be comfortable in their skin and find clothes that accents the good parts of their body and not hides it. Your wardrobe can have a little bit of personality and still look grown up and professional. This episode of What Not to Wear was helpful in me because I shop on a budget so it is important I remember "quality not quantity," going straight to the clearance rack isn't always the best option.


 It is important a person dress the part and dress for success. To me this means following the dress code that is assigned for your place of employment or position. I currently am an Assistant Director at a private preschool. My dress code is professional. I can wear slacks, skirts, dresses...anything but jeans. Friday is jean day. As far as tops, I must look professional; ironed clothes, no wholes, clean, etc. I am one of the faces for the preschool so it is crucial I look put together, ready for the day, and professional. If I was wearing jeans and t-shirts I do not look the part and future families coming in to tour may not take me seriously.

In Early Care Education, it is very hard for teachers to dress professionally. Teachers in child care programs are professionals at their job. However, working in child care isn't the cleanest/easiest job. Most teachers do not want to wear nice professional clothing because it may get dirty, torn, or who knows what else throughout the day. I do think it is important though that teachers are put together, clean, and appear ready for the day. Coming into work in sweats and a t-shirt gives a "I just rolled out of bed" impression or gives the idea that you don't care about your appearance.