Training Hub
Training Hub
Child”care” Essentials

Child”care” Essentials

Illness & Medication

To ensure the health and well-being of all children we ask that under no circumstances are sick children allowed in the Kid Zone. Please inform the parent at check in should the child appear to have any noticeable symptoms such as: fever, profuse colored nasal discharge, diarrhea or vomiting. Should the child become ill in our care, notify the parent immediately. Isolate the child from the other children but maintain active supervision and provide comfort care as needed.

Kid Zone staff are not permitted to administer medications. In the event that medication is necessary, parents must administer. This includes diaper creme.

Diapering

Children in diapers are permitted to use the Kid Zone. However, as a policy, we do not change diapers. If a child does need a diaper change, staff will notify the guardian via KidCheck text and/or phone call. If a parent does not respond, a staff that is not in ratio may go look for the parent.

In the case of a severe diaper failure and/or the parents are not returning within a reasonable amount of time (more than 5 minutes), staff may change the diaper. Only staff that have been through the YMCA diaper changing training may change a diaper. Diapering is to be done on a designated changing area that is in a visible, open location and 2 staff must be present. After changing the child, a diaper incident report must be filled out by scanning the QR code on the Diaper Incident report as well as notify the parent of the diaper change.

Toilet Help

Children should be able to use the restroom by themselves but there are times when you might have to assist a child in the toileting process. As much as able, employees should use verbal prompts to guide the child in self-assisting tasks (ie:“pull your underpants up, now pull your pants up”). If a child does not need help in the restroom, a staff must stay by the door and regularly check on the child. When necessary to assist young children in the bathroom, the door to the restroom must remain open. Documentation must be done if you had to help the child with tasks such as pulling up underwear/pants. There must be a second staff in the room while you were helping that child. Only one child should be in the bathroom at a time.

Food/Bottles

Some Snohomish County YMCA’s allow food in their Kid Zone spaces. If the branch allows snacks, a child must eat in a designated snack area. Wipe down the table before and after the child eats. Snacks are not allowed to be shared between children and must be free of nuts.

Children requiring bottles may be fed in the Kid Zone. All bottles must be labeled with the child’s first and last name by the parent/guardian. Masking tape should be available to use for this purpose. Formula must be prepared by the guardian or measured out by guardian. Staff may add water to the bottle as long as parents have written down the correct amount of water. Staff are not permitted to heat up bottles.

When feeding a baby, wash your hand first before handling the bottle, milk or baby. Hold infants while feeding. Holding helps babies feel more secure and also reduces the risk of choking on breast milk or formula. Do not leave a child unattended with their bottle. For children who are mobile, do not allow them to walk around with their bottle. They can easily fall and hurt themselves or may want to share with their friends. If an infant falls asleep while eating, remove the bottle from the child’s mouth.

Guidelines for Child Care Providers to Prepare and Feed Bottles to Infants

Breastfeeding Mothers

Any person that needs to breastfeed their baby may do so in our Infant area of the Kid Zone. Please make them feel welcome.