Medical Policy

No child should attend the child center if he or she has a communicable disease, a fever of 99 degrees of more, a rash of undetermined origin, diarrhea, green discharge from the nose, open sores, persistent cough, or vomits. If your child develops any of these symptoms, he or she should not return to the center for at least 24 hours, symptom free. The Director may require a doctor’s note before a child will be readmitted to the center after an illness.

If your child becomes ill at the center, he or she will be isolated and you or an authorized adult will be notified. In the event of a medical emergency, you will be contacted and the Cornwall Volunteer Ambulance will be called. Your child’s doctor will also be called as stated on the medical form and the consent-for-treatment form you signed at the time of enrollment (may also be found online).

The teachers are authorized to give certain medications to the children when the State guidelines are followed. If your child has a medical condition for which an emergency medication would be necessary, please see the Director so that your child’s physician can fill out the necessary permission forms. All medications will be kept in a lock box.

Policy on Allergies

When a child enrolls at the Cornwall Child Center and has known allergies, the parents will fill out the required health statements including an authorization for medications and an emergency health care plan from the physician. The Director will supply both of these forms. The parent will be required to have both forms signed by the child’s doctor before the child may attend the Cornwall Child Center. In addition, the parent will keep the staff well informed of the severity of the child’s allergy by answering the following questions:

  • What is the specific allergy?
  • What foods or other substances should be avoided?
  • How might an allergic reaction be triggered?
  • What symptoms does your child display?
  • What steps has the child’s doctor told you to follow in the event that symptoms of a reaction occur?
  • Will the child need to be isolated from other children during snack and lunch time?
  • Has your child ever had to use Benedryl or an Epi-Pen because of an allergy attack? How well did he/she respond? Was it necessary for your child to go to the hospital?

Policy on Homeopathic Treatment

The Cornwall Child Center respects and supports parents’ decisions to use natural and homeopathic remedies for their children’s illnesses. However, we are in the position as Mandated Reporters of the State of Connecticut to be aware of the health, safety, and well-being of the children we care for at the center. Therefore, as the teachers become aware of a child who is ill and absent from the center, we will be encouraging parents to use wisdom in helping the child toward a quick recovery. If the child does not return to school within a reasonable amount of time, the parent will be encouraged to seek treatment from a licensed medical doctor recognized by the State of Connecticut. When the child returns, the Director may ask for a note from the medical doctor indicating that the child is free of contagion and may participate in all activities of the program.

Protection Policy

Our teachers receive training from outside professionals in recognizing physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect, as well as techniques for communication with parents on matters concerning a child’s welfare. The center has posted information on the bulletin board from the State of Connecticut on the reporting obligations and procedures for the staff. Any parent wishing for more information on abuse and neglect issues should speak with the Director.