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Been amending my contract . . . . I should add this too. sigh . . . . .
My parents wave everything off too. They also tend to come with bruises a lot of the time that parents are explaining to me.
I think I'll also be giving parents the choice of what type of first aid they want on their child.
You know, I never would of thought I would have to screen and have this conversation with parents about the possibility that their child may come home with a bump or scratch. I assumed it was a given that kids fall and sometimes get hurt or accidents happen in group care...but you know what they say when you assume something right?, lol. So, now I will be screening for this and parents will now have yet another form they have to sign...sigh. It only takes 1 to ruin it for the rest.
Reggo...you've started something here! I have my boo boo log but would love to add a form, I have one for just about everything ...except for first aid!
I won't use your wording but would you mind if I borrowed your great idea!
Here is what it is stated in my policy manual:
First Aid:
I hold current first aid certificates, and are ready to perform care when necessary. A complete first aid kit is available at all times, including on field trips etc. The children’s emergency info/consent cards are kept in the first aid kit at all times, as well I usually carry our cell phone with us on outings for use in the event of an emergency. In the event a child needs emergency medical attention an ambulance will be called, and then the parents - to allow them to meet the child at the hospital as soon as possible. Any serious incidents will be reported by filing a serious incident report immediately.
Injuries:
I will supervise your child closely in an attempt to prevent injuries, but accidents resulting in injury do occur. I have been trained in first aid and CPR and will follow my training. If the injury is minor (requiring only a band-aid or ice) I will tell you about it when you pick up your child. If it is serious, I will call you and may even suggest that you take your child to the doctor or emergency room. If an injury is very severe, I will call 911 for assistance before I call you. If I can not reach you, I will call the emergency contacts listed on your “Child Information Record” (Please remember to keep this card up-to-date).
This thread is timely...
I received a text two nights ago (at 7:30 pm) from a mother, "What happened to D's leg???" I said I didn't see anything happen to her, nor did she cry that I recall and asked why. She said that there was a huge cut on her thigh. I said I didn't know, and asked how bad it was. Mom didn't reply to my text for an hour. I was sweating bullets. I had changed her diaper about 45 minutes before she was picked up, and was by her side all day long. Nothing happened. Her mom made a big deal about it. I saw it the next day and it was a very minor scrape. I still don't know how it happened, but I am 99.99% sure it didn't happen on my watch. Her mother didn't notice until almost three hours after pickup, so I'm pretty sure the scrape wasn't bothering D either. Sigh. I felt like a child abuser. I was seriously sick to my stomach.
I am going to add to my contract too. You can never be too careful. I am learning all the time how important it is to select the right families for my home daycare. I don't care if I am without income in the future - the stress of dealing with the parents of these delicate little snowflakes is about ready to drive me up a wall. Sorry to thread hijack.
I had something like this happen recently too although the parents were really great about it. They found a huge bruise across their child's bottom and I had no idea how he had gotten it! I felt terrible! I still don't know if he got it here or at home, but it made me feel really worried that they would think I had done something. Not a nice feeling. I think I'll add to my contract as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphaghetti
That's just it, the stress is just not worth it. Not only are you constantly worried that the child might hurt themselves, you are then following them around to make sure they DON;T hurt themselves and this takes time away from the other kids. All my families are great, they all get it and know that things happen and trust me 100% but from that 1 family, I am now making everyone sign a form. I will also be screening for helicopter parents...where i never even imagined i would have to before. All my families laugh about it and roll their eyes with what happened but it still sucks to have to talk about it now with future families.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alphaghetti
I send out an email to my daycare parents every 6 months to see if any contact info has changed. Some times things change and with busy schedules, parents might forget to inform us.Quote:
Originally Posted by lunademiel
For me, it just takes a few minutes to send out an email that I have marked as a reminder for me when the date comes up, that if there ever is an emergency I won't be scrambling.
Thank you! That's an excellent idea!
Well I used your consent form Reggio (hope you don't mind) but changed/added somethings, took some things out that I didn't want/need and made it my own but with your general idea. You didn't get back to anyone as to whether or not it was ok so used yours as a guide...I hope it's ok and changed enough that it's not considered copying it completely :(;) This is how mine reads...
Quote:
Young children are active, great explorers and sometimes in a hurry to get to where they are going. As a result bumps, bruises and scrapes are a normal part of childhood as children learn how to take risks safely and master their environment. Sometimes children do not let us know they are 'bruised' and just get up and go again after a little TLC to sooth their egos. However, other times first aid will be required.
When first aid is visibly required and access to warm running water and soap is available, minor first aid needs shall be treated with running water and soap.
Topical ointments will be available in the first aid kit and may be applied in the best interest of the child if required for treatment of minor cuts and scrapes, etc. All accidents requiring formal first aid will be reported in writing, reviewed and signed by parents upon arrival in the evening and kept on file. In the event that a child requires more than minor first aid the parent will be called immediately to discuss action to be taken.
I, ____________________ ___________________, authorize the application of first aid both onsite and offsite and the use of any topical ointments (Including but not limited to soap or cleanser, After-Bite, Baking Soda, Polysporin, etc.) to my child, ____________________ _____, when needed by my child care provider, J.
_____Yes I agree ____ No only treat first aid with soap & water.
____________________ ____________________ ______________
(signature of parent/guardian/authorized adult)
____________________ ____________________ ______________
(signature of caregiver)
When I'm going through my package with families, this form will help me be able to bring up how important it is for children to be able to be free to explore and grow WITH the possible risk of a bump or 2 on the way. To re-assure parents that this is to be expected and a natural, normal thing for children.