Medication

All medications must be in their original containers. A first aid cabinet is available in the coordinator’s office, and each children’s room is equipped with a kit containing frequently used items. When you bring medication for your child, kindly hand it to the staff. Never leave medication in children’s bags, lockers, on benches, or any area accessible to children; staff will place the medication in the cabinet/fridge.

Parents are required to complete a medication form specifying the name, dosage, administration time, and your signature authorizing us to give it to the child. Please inform staff of the last dose administered. Despite time constraints in the morning, parents delivering children on medication should allocate time to complete this form. The form indicates who administered the medication, who checked the dosage, and staff signatures.

Medication will not be administered if it is not prescribed for the child, lacks its original label, or is expired. If details on the medication form differ from the original label, parents will be phoned for verification. If a reasonable explanation is provided, at the coordinator's discretion, medication will be administered, and parents need to notate the medication form when collecting the child.

Parents can provide a covering note for some forms of medication (e.g., Asthma medication, Panadol, or Epipen). This note should specify conditions necessitating medication, dosage, administration instructions, the validity period, Doctor’s details, and appropriate signatures.

In most cases, parents will be phoned for verbal authorization to administer medication. Parents should remember to ask staff for the medication.

Infections & Communicable Diseases

The wellbeing and health of children and caregivers are top priorities. While we understand the challenges an ill child may pose for working parents, we ask for consideration toward the health of your child and others at the creche.

Parents are encouraged to plan for alternative arrangements if children become ill. Despite best health practices and diligent staff, contagious diseases may spread before symptoms appear. If your child is unwell, they will not cope with the busy activities at the center.

Children should stay at home if any of the following symptoms occur in the previous 24 hours, and parents are advised to seek medical advice before their return:

  • A fever or temperature over 37.5°C.
  • Diarrhoea
  • Severe or constant coughing
  • Infected discharge from eyes, nose, or ears
  • Open or weeping sores
  • Spots or rashes
  • Breathing trouble
  • Vomiting
  • Frequent scratching of the scalp
  • Complaint of pain, lethargy, distress, or unexplained abnormal behavior

Parents are requested to notify the center if children are not attending due to illness. If children become unwell at the center, they will be separated, and parents will be phoned to collect them. Parents should notify the center immediately if a doctor confirms an infectious or communicable disease. The center will provide information sheets via email to parents if a child attending has contracted such a disease.

Children with infectious diseases may need a Doctor’s Clearance Certificate before returning to care. It is recommended that children do not return until symptom-free for two days and temperature-free for 24 hours.

Doctor’s Clearance Certificate

The following children’s illnesses may require a Doctor’s Clearance Certificate:

  • Chickenpox
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Glandular Fever
  • Impetigo (school sores)
  • Measles
  • Head lice
  • Meningitis (Bacterial)
  • Ringworms
  • Pediculosis (Lice) Trachoma
  • Streptococcal Infection (including Scarlet Fever)
  • Influenza
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS)
  • Campylobacter (Diarrhoea)
  • Diphtheria
  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Leprosy
  • Whooping Cough
  • Croup
  • Meningococcal Infection
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Scabies
  • Rubella (German Measles)
  • Tuberculosis
  • Rheumatic Fever

Excluding ill children helps limit the spread of infection. Detailed exclusion periods are outlined in the booklet “Staying Healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services” (Fifth edition 2012), available in the coordinator's office.

Accidents & Medical Emergencies

Staff strives to prevent accidents, and a certified First Aid staff member is on duty at all times. Any accident or illness is recorded in the Accident/Illness OWNA, detailing the date, time, child’s name, symptoms, how the incident occurred, treatment administered, and parent verification.

The coordinator/staff assesses illnesses or injuries. In case of serious or undetermined extent, an ambulance is called. If a parent is not present, a familiar staff member accompanies the child to the hospital. The Children’s Services Adviser is notified within 24 hours of any accident requiring medical attention.

Emergency Evacuation

Emergency evacuation plans are in each room and the office, indicating routes, assembly areas, exit locations, and firefighting equipment. Evacuation practices occur at least once each term. Off-site evacuation assembles at Chabad House Malvern Shul, across the road at 316 Glenferrie Road, Malvern.

In the event of an emergency preventing a return within a reasonable time, parents will be contacted to collect children. Parents of the youngest children will be contacted first. If parents cannot be reached, they can collect children from Shul.

Sun Protection/Sun Safety

The center provides SPF 30+ sunscreen for children. If your child is allergic, parents need to provide an alternative. Sunscreen is applied from September to April, as recommended by the Anti-Cancer Council. Hats must be worn outside, and parents are asked to provide a suitable hat. Outdoor play is limited in extremely hot weather, and extra liquids are encouraged. Sun safety discussions are integrated into the program, emphasizing “slip, slop, slap.” Staff and parents are role models for sun care practices, ensuring appropriate clothing and sunhat use.

Outdoor activities consider shaded areas, and water play is increased. The program promotes sun safety discussions, and outdoor activities end during peak sun hours. Movable equipment includes umbrellas for additional shade. General health practices are applied during hot weather, including increased water intake. Parents are notified if a child is not coping in the heat.