Daycares deal with flu through summer
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The start of school has many concerned about the spread of flu. Daycares have been handling kids in close quarters all summer and say proper hand-washing and germ etiquette are keys to keeping kids healthy.
Shirley Sholes, Director of theMary Allen Ross Childcare Center at Backus, said they haven't had any identified cases of the H1N1 flu.
"We developed a letter for parents back in May, which we will update for the fall, that asked children be kept at home for at least 24 hours if they have a fever of 101 or higher or are showing flu-like symptoms," she said. "We also update them on what Backus is doing to prevent flu in the community."
Ms. Sholes said they practice preventive health habits, such as washing hands for 15-20 seconds and encouraging children to cough into their shoulder rather than their hands. Childcare providers are strongly recommended to receive vaccinations, which are provided on site by an employee health nurse.
The center also recently installed an alcohol based hand gel station on the playground and at the entryway.
"Because there are a number of stations throughout the hospital, everyone is really used to using it, so they did it automatically upon entering the center, which is really nice to see," she said.
During the summer the center provides care for infants and school-age children through third grade, but during the school year the program goes just through kindergarten, providing an afternoon or morning program to supplement the school day.
Arline Linger, Director of CASTLE (Colchester Alternative School Age Total Learning Experience) said they have not had any H1N1 cases either, but some children have had stomach bugs and fevers this summer.
"We have not had a lot of children out at one time - I think our hand-washing policy has really helped prevent the spread of disease," she said. She also said if a child or staff member is sick they go home, and if they have a fever they are out at least 24 hours.
She said they have proper hand-washing procedures posted, encouraging children to wash on the inside of their fingers with soap and hot water for at least 15 seconds, and using a paper towel to shut off the faucet.
"We also have a nutritional consultant - I think serving healthy snacks and going outside for fresh air is important as well," she said.
The center has a school readiness program in the morning, as well as after-school programs for school-age children.