Head Lice

HEAD LICE

Children displaying signs or symptoms of head lice are to be removed from the program immediately. If a parent fails to arrange for immediate removal of a child displaying symptoms, the alternate contacts (emergency contact) will be called. The child will be kept as far away as is practical from the other children. Each program has a designated area where the child can rest and be regularly monitored by Educators. The school should be informed that the program has encountered head lice after two cases.

Signs or symptoms of illness exhibited by a child can include but are not limited to:

• Lots of itching of the head
• Eggs or lice on the scalp, hair or neck
• Red or inflamed skin near the ears or the back of the neck

A child may return to a program if the Program Coordinator is satisfied that the child does not pose a health risk to other children or caregivers. A child must be treated, all nits removed and been symptom free for a period of not less than 24 hours before they may return. A second case in the same child will require a written doctor’s note stating treatment has been completed, all nits removed and been symptom free for 48 hours. Parents will be informed to seek alternate childcare or to keep their child at home if the child does not meet these requirements. TOPP KIDS will not be liable for refunds of childcare fees for time missed.

The goal of this policy is to stop or limit the spread of head lice in our programs. If you have any questions or concerns, we would like to hear them! Please speak to your Program Coordinator.

Parents will be informed of TOPP KIDS practices regarding ill children through the Parent Handbook.

EDUCATORS WILL:

• Educators will assess if a child is ill by doing a visual assessment of the child, take child’s temperature, and watch for changes in child’s behaviour.
• Practice general hygiene and will encourage children in hygiene practices.
• Use proper hand washing throughout the day.
• Regularly sanitize all toys and equipment.
• Maintain a record of children who are sent home due to illness. This record (TOPP KIDS Illness Log) shall include:
  • Child’s name
  • Date child was observed ill
  • Name of Educator who identified the child was ill
  • Time parent was notified
  • Educator who contacted parent
  • Time child was removed from the program
  • Date child returned to the program