Policies

Health

Description of Common Illnesses and the guidelines to know when to send your child to school or not:

Fever – When a child has a fever of 101 degrees or more. If a child begins to develop a fever while at the center, a parent will be called and is expected to pick up the child immediately. The child may return to the center when the fever has subsided for 24 hours without Tylenol (or similar fever reducing medications).

Antibiotics – A child with a contagious condition for which he/she has been prescribed an antibiotic may not attend school until he/she has taken the antibiotic for 24 hours. A child with a non-contagious condition and on antibiotics may return to school as soon as the child feels well again.

Vomiting – A vomiting child must stay home or go home if he/she becomes ill at the center. The child may not return to school until 24 hours after the vomiting has stopped.

Diarrhea – A child will be sent home if he/she has three or more watery stools during the day. The child may return to school 24 hours after the bowel movements have returned to normal. If a child must return to school with stools looser than normal due to antibiotics for example, a written doctor’s note will be required to readmit the child.

Impetigo and Conjunctivitis – These are very contagious condition and must be treated with antibiotics before a child can return to the center. If the child has red eyes with discharge or crusted, moist sores, the parent will be contacted to up the child immediately. The child cannot return to school until a doctor has treated him/her.

Head Lice – Any child that has come in contact with head lice shall remain at home until all lice and hits have been removed successfully. We have information to help parents work through the process. We will notify all parents at the center about an outbreak so that they can monitor the child. The Chime Time Children’s Center follows the Melrose Public School ‘No Nits’ policy. They must be checked by the director before returning to the classroom. They will be sent home again if any nits are found.

Strep Throat – Symptoms include a fever, rash, or sore throat. Parents will be notified immediately so a doctor can treat the child.

Colds – Often children can function well in a group setting when suffering from a cold, however, any child well enough to come to school will be expected to participate with the other children in the usual outdoor activities. A common side effort of a child is a runny nose. Generally, a clear discharge is okay, while a discolored one (yellow or green) is a sign of infection. If this is the case, the staff will use their discretion in asking parents to keep the child home.

Unidentified Rash – An unidentified rash, must be treated by a doctor to determine the risk of exposure. A note from the child’s physician is required for the child to return to school.

Please notify the school immediately if your child is exposed to a contagious disease. The Director will notify you if and when it is necessary to keep your child at home. All parents will be given a notice if a child has been reported to have a contagious disease. Notices will include information on symptoms and general information on the contagion.

If your child gets sick at school:

The educator will bring the child to the office where he/she will be evaluation for illness. A cot, blanket, pillow, books, drinks and/or food will be available if the illness is mild. If the illness is more upsetting for the child, the school will notify the parents/guardian that their child is ill and to please come for them. If the responsible person is unavailable the designated alternate person will be notified to come for the child. The name/phone number of the alternate person will be documented in the child’s file. The director will remain in the office with the child until the child has been released ot the parent/guardian or responsible person.

Bullying

There is now a state-wide anti-bullying law in Massachusetts. Bullying is often defined as cruelty to others that is deliberate in nature with the purpose of gaining control over others. The pain that is inflicted on the other individual can be physical, emotional or psychological.

We at the Chime Time Children’s Center are aware that bullying can begin in its simplest forms at a very early age. It can involve name-calling, hitting, teasing or targeting one child in a number of ways. If we see any of these actions happening, we address it immediately with the children involved. We read relevant books to the children and discuss them. If a problem persists we involve the parents through a note and a meeting to try to resolve the issue. It is thought that if a bully gets the correct direction at a very early age you may be able to prevent them from becoming an adult bully.

Inclement Weather/Snow

Chimetime follows Melrose Public Schools policy in the event of inclement weather. If there is a school cancellation, please watch Channel 7 News in the morning (Storm Force). If Melrose Public Schools are delayed or cancelled there will be no school for the half and extended day programs, however, the day care center will be open.