Health and Safety of our children
Allergies & Anaphylaxis
Merri Community Childcare Centre Inc is committed to identifying any child with a known allergy, and the allergens that cause the reaction(s), through appropriate enrolment procedures. We ensuring that all staff have knowledge of children with known allergies, and are educated as to how to proceed with appropriate action plans.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Up to two per cent of the general population and up to five per cent of children are at risk. The most common causes in young children are eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, cow milk, bee or other insect stings, and some medications. Young children may not be able to express the symptoms of anaphylaxis. A reaction can develop within minutes of exposure to the allergen, but with planning and training, a reaction can be treated effectively by using an adrenaline auto injector called an EpiPen.
Merri recognises the importance of all staff responsible for the child/ren at risk of anaphylaxis undertaking training that includes preventative measures to minimise the risk of an anaphylactic reaction, recognition of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and emergency treatment, including administration of an EpiPen.
Parents/Guardians must inform Merri staff as to their children’s allergy history and Include an allergy action plan upon enrolment (refer to Anaphylaxis policy). As required, all parents must provide an Epi-pen that is clearly labelled and in date. This is for use in the case of an anaphylactic reaction.
Diabetes
Diabetes is rarely the cause of significant absenteeism. Children with diabetes can do everything their peers do but may need:
- special consideration
- extra supervision
- extra toilet privileges
- to eat at additional times, especially before or during sport
- extra consideration if unwell
- special provisions for privacy if testing blood glucose levels and injecting insulin at childcare/kindergarten
An Individual Management and Emergency Treatment Plan incorporating medical recommendations must be developed with the centre in association with parents/carers and medical practitioner. This should be attached to the child’s records. It will also be made available to all staff caring for & educating the child and in the.
Dental Hygiene
Children at Merri are introduced to dental management practices from the age of 2. After lunch children practice brushing their teeth with/without toothpaste. We also promote the Pre-School Dental service as it offers a comprehensive preventative dental health program for all pre-school children living in the Darebin area and all pre-school children attending a Kindergarten or Child Care Centre in Darebin. A child's first dental examination should be carried out around 18 months of age. Examination Costs are free, but a cost of $25 per course of treatment for non-health care cardholders applies.
