SPECIAL CARE PLAN

First Circle follows EEC regulations by maintaining an individual healthcare plan (IHCP) for children with chronic medical conditions or special care needs, which is incorporated into a Special Care Plan (SCP). The SCP, completed collaboratively by the child’s healthcare provider, parents, and First Circle staff, ensures that the child’s health needs are met while protecting their privacy, dignity, and safety. With written parental consent, essential health information is shared with staff on a need-to-know basis.

The SCP details the child’s condition, symptoms, necessary treatments, potential side effects, and risks of untreated conditions. Educators may administer routine medication or treatment with proper training from a healthcare provider, parent, or First Circle’s health consultant. Unanticipated medication or treatment requires a reasonable attempt to contact parents beforehand or as soon as possible afterward, with all administrations documented in the child’s health log. All consents remain valid for one year.

The SCP contains information and guidelines that safeguard the child’s health and educational goals. The plan:

• avoids unnecessary risk, restriction, stigma, illness, and absence
• ensures coordination of physical, social, emotional, and academic goals
• establishes environmental controls (maintaining air quality, elimination of irritants,
  allergens, and toxic hazards)
• assures medically timely and convenient access to medication at all times
• ensures individualized crisis and emergency management
• helps overcome obstacles to participation and achievement