Health and Safety Policy for Little Hoots Academy

Effective Date:11/11/24

Introduction

Little Hoots Academy is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all children, families, and staff. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our practices to ensure the well-being of every individual in our daycare, in accordance with guidelines established by the Duval County Health Department and Florida State regulations.

Health and Safety Practices

1. Health Screening and Illness Policy

- Daily Health Screenings: All children will undergo daily health screenings upon arrival, including checks for fever and visible signs of illness.

- Illness Reporting: Parents are required to report any known communicable illnesses, including colds, flu, chickenpox, etc., to the daycare immediately.

- Exclusion Policy: Children exhibiting symptoms of illness (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhea, rash) must remain at home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours. A doctor’s note may be required for readmission.

2. Vaccination Requirements

- Little Hoots Academy adheres to the Florida state requirements regarding immunizations. Parents must provide up-to-date vaccination records for their children as part of the enrollment process.

3. Emergency Procedures

- Emergency Contacts: Parents must provide updated emergency contact information at all times.

- Emergency Drills: We conduct regular emergency drills (fire, tornado, and lockdown) to ensure that staff and children are prepared for unexpected situations.

- First Aid Training: All staff members are required to have training in CPR and First Aid, including the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

4. Safe Environment

- Child-to-Staff Ratios: Little Hoots Academy maintains appropriate child-to-staff ratios as mandated by the Florida Department of Children and Families to ensure that each child receives adequate supervision and attention.

- Safe Spaces: All areas of the daycare are regularly inspected for hazards, and any unsafe conditions will be promptly addressed.

- Hygiene Practices: Staff and children are encouraged to practice good hygiene, including handwashing, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Hand sanitizers will be readily available throughout the facility.

5. Nutrition and Allergies

- Healthy Meals and Snacks: Little Hoots Academy provides balanced meals and snacks, complying with the USDA guidelines for nutrition.

- Allergy Information: Parents must inform the daycare about any food allergies or dietary restrictions. We strive to accommodate these needs while ensuring the safety of all children.

6. Communication with Families

- Open Communication: We encourage open lines of communication with parents regarding health and safety issues. Any concerns or suggestions are always welcome.

- Health Updates: Parents will receive updates regarding any health-related incidents or notices that may affect the daycare community.

Policy Review and Compliance

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to remain compliant with Duval County regulations and to ensure the health and safety of all children, staff, and families at Little Hoots Academy.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding this Health and Safety Policy, please contact:

- Naomi Morgan- Director

- Phone:904-619-3605

- Email: [email protected]

- Address: 7645 Merrill Rd Jacksonville, Florida