Transfer of Care
TRANSFER OF CARE
WHAT IS A TRANSFER OF CARE?
The transfer of responsibility and accountability for some or all aspects of care for a child or group of children, on a temporary or permanent basis. It entails appropriately transferring information to help deliver safe care. For TOPP KIDS this happens 3 ways:
- Transfer to Parent / Guardian
- Transfer to the school
- Transfer to the next shift of an educator
WHAT INFORMATION IS INCLUDED?
The information transferred depends on the care’s circumstances, must
be verbal, documented, and acknowledged by the transferee and may
include:
- Physical, mental or medical condition
- Successes of the day, possible issues and consideration of
strategies should issues arise - Responsibility for ongoing care
- The statement: “I / we am / are transferring care of
____child(ren) to ____.”
As appropriate, the Transfer of Care process should include opportunities to discuss the meaning of the information, seek clarification and ask questions. The successful and safe transfer of the child/ren from one phase of care to another is contingent on optimal communication by all team members.
EMERGENCY CARE DURING A TRANSFER OF CARE
If a child who attends TOPP KIDS requires emergency medical care or medication during the transition to either a parent or the school, the TOPP KIDS Educator is responsible for that child’s care until VERBAL Transfer of Care is announced and it is documented. Until this verbal confirmation is acknowledged, Educators have a duty to provide care for the child.
The TOPP KIDS Educator then can act as a support to either the parent / guardian or school and help them follow their policies and procedures and work together to ensure the child’s needs are being met. Follow up with the family must be made later the same day/ night and is the responsibility of the Educator who cared for the child.