Health and Medical Policy
In compliance with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health, a health form for your child must be submitted and kept on file at the preschool. This health form must indicate that your child has had a physical exam within the past 12 months, that she/he is in good health, and that she/he meets current vaccination requirements. The health form must be signed by a physician. By law, your child will not be allowed to attend school without a current health form on file, and no exceptions can be made. Health forms may be mailed to the P.O. Box or hand delivered to the preschool office. Teachers cannot accept health forms.

There is a physician on call when needed. We are also able to call the nurse at the Coventry Grammar School for guidance.

If your child has (a) any serious medical conditions, (b) serious allergies (to food, medication, or insect stings), or (c) any other physical or medical restrictions, you will need to provide a Coventry Public Schools Authorization for the Administration of Medicines by school personnel form. This form must be signed by your physician stating the problem, as well as any special procedures that must be followed in the classroom. The form is available in school office.

Because we do not have a nurse on duty in our building, parents should be home during school hours or have an emergency number where an adult will be able to pick up your child and care for him/her until you return. At all times, the school must have some way of reaching a parent or legal guardian in case of emergency or illness. Please be sure your emergency cards are filled out and returned, and kept up to date.

COMMITTEES – parents interested in volunteering their time can do so in one of the following ways:  Fundraisers, Teacher’s Helpers, or ad-hoc committees created for a special event.

Parents are the most important people in children’s lives. They are also their first and primary teachers. Early childhood programs are far more effective when the parents are involved in meaningful ways so that children’s learning is viewed as a joint effort between early childhood educators and parents. This involvement begins with a mutual respect and trust. The early childhood educator provides knowledge of child development and early childhood education and parents contribute specialized knowledge and experiences about their children. When young children observe positive and genuine communication between their parents and teachers, they feel that their two worlds are connected.

Families may visit any area of the facility at any time during to programs regular hours of operation.

Emergency Health Care Policy
When a child becomes sick or an accident occurs, determine the severity of the situation and contact the parent/authorized person or arrange for transportation to the hospital. Call for an ambulance. One staff member (Teacher, Director, Coordinator, or Para) should accompany child to the hospital and take the child’s folder. Remain with the child until the parent or alternative pick-up arrives. If parent cannot be reached, contact the designated person on the child’s permission form. During any field trips, take all children’s permission forms and follow same instructions as above. Also, take along a First Aid Kit.

Building Security
The safety and security of the children and staff at the center is important to us. As a result, the following security system procedure is in place:

• Doors will be locked Monday through Friday 8:40-10:50 am and 12:10-2:10 pm.
• For admittance press the call button located on the right side of the front door
• A staff member will ask your name and reason for  visit
• Press and hold the call button to respond
• Give your information and a staff member will let you into the school

Confidentiality
Information contained in a child’s record is privileged and confidential. Unauthorized removal of records or unauthorized divulgence of parents, children, staff, or program’s confidential information is a strict policy of the Preschool. Violation of these rules is considered serious and will result in discharge without prior warning. Observe professional ethics at all times and never discuss children, families, or staff elsewhere. Observations made in the classroom and all information discussed at staff meetings/trainings are to be kept in strict confidence. No use of a child’s name is permitted in any journals or papers related to your work here. If you personally know some of the children or families please keep those relationships separate from your work here at the Preschool.