safety hazards

For treatment of minor injuries, see HEALTH & SAFETY above. There are some safety hazards we can prevent, and others we can only prepare for.

Serious injury

In the event of a serious injury (such as a seizure, a serious cut, or a possible broken bone), strictly follow the procedures outlined.

Missing, lost, or abducted child

Most abducted children are taken by someone they know. It is essential that educators release children only to designated individuals and account for children at all times.

Epidemic illness

As mandated by the Board of Health, if an epidemic illness has been brought into the school and is spreading rapidly and uncontrollably, First Circle may be forced to close to air out the school or close classrooms to contain the spread of the disease. If the illness is believed to be part of an outbreak or disease cluster, First Circle will consult with the local Board of Health to receive further instructions. We may need to close our program temporarily without notice in the event of an epidemic or pandemic health crisis. We would consult with the local and state agencies responding to the emergency to make the decision. During an outbreak of infectious disease, follow these procedures:

• Reinforce habits that protect children from disease by limiting the spread of infection (good handwashing; covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing; cleaning toys frequently).
• Keep a good supply of things you will need to help control the spread of infection. (For example, plenty of soap, paper towels, and tissues.) Store the supplies in easy-to-find places.
• Keep accurate records of when children are absent, including a record of the illness that caused the absence (e.g., diarrhea/vomiting, coughing/breathing problems, rash, or other). We need this information to report an outbreak of illness to the Board of Health.
• Check children each day as they arrive to see if they are sick. Do not allow sick children to remain at the program.
• Stay home if you are sick. If you become sick while at work, go home and stay home.