POOL AND WATER SAFETY POLICY

Purpose
To ensure any water activities accessible to children are supervised and safe.

Purpose
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc (FDCAQ) recognises swimming and water play as an enjoyable and valuable play experience for children and aims to ensure health and safety guidelines are maintained during these experiences.

Definitions (Building Act 1975, effective 10th December 2010)
Swimming pool means an excavation or structure:-
(a) capable of being filled with water to a depth of 300mm or more; and
(b) capable of being used for swimming, bathing, wading, paddling or some other human aquatic activity; and
(c) solely or principally used, or designed, manufactured or adapted to be solely or principally used, for the purposes mentioned in paragraph (b) despite its current use;

This includes a spa pool, spa tub or similar thing (whether portable or fixed) and a wading pool (other than a portable wading pool

But does not include -
(d) a fish pond or pool solely or principally used, or designed, manufactured or adapted to be solely or principally used, for ornamental purposes; or
(e) a dam or tank solely or principally used, or designed, manufactured or adapted to be solely or principally used, for aquaculture, marine research or storage of water; or
(f) a watercourse; or
(g) a portable wading pool; or
(h) a spa bath situated in a bathroom, other than a spa bath continually filled with water to a depth of more than 300mm; or
(i) a birthing pool used solely for water birth’s.

A portable wading pool means a pool that -
(a) is capable of being filled with water to a depth of no more than 300mm; and
(b) has a volume of no more than 2000L; and
(c) has no filtration system.
An indoor swimming pool means -
(a) a swimming pool completely enclosed by the walls of a building; or (b) a swimming pool on a deck or roof top of a building if the pool is, under the usual ways of entering or leaving the building, only accessible from the inside of the building.

Portable wading pools as defined above do not need to be fenced. All other pools are included in the Pool Fencing Guidelines. Pool fencing laws require pool owners to construct and maintain a fence around their swimming pool regardless of when the pool was installed. If pool owners are unsure if their pool fence complies, they should contact their local council.

Procedure

Educators will:

• If they have a pool as defined above on their property:
  • Ensure all pool fencing and other safety requirements are in accordance with State and Local Government guidelines;
  • Display the latest prescribed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sign adopted by the Australian Resuscitation Council near the pool:
  • Ensure their home pool is registered with the Department of Infrastructure and Planning;
  • Hold a current pool safety certificate issued by a licensed swimming pool safety inspector;
  • Ensure all fencing is clear from pot plants, chairs or any object that could be used as a step for children to gain access to the pool;
• Obtain written permission from parents for children to swim in pools, beaches, dams, water holes, parklands and anything similar and for use of a wading pool;
• Ensure children with diarrhoea, upset stomach, open sores or nasal infection do not use pools;
• Remind children to go to the toilet before entering the pool;
• Follow Sun smart guidelines when playing outdoors.
• Develop a Risk Management plan that identifies practices for meeting the above requirements. The Risk Management Plan is to be provided to families on enrolment.
  • The risk management plan will include how compliance with Services policies, Education and Care Services National Law 2010 and Regulations 2011and QLD pool safety guidelines are met.
• Inform parents/guardians when a swimming experience is to take place.

Swimming Pools

• When swimming in a pool or a body of water, supervision by Educators and other adults present must take into account each child’s swimming ability.
• An Educator may supervise those children able to swim without entering the pool providing the Educator is within the confines of the fenced area and in full view of the children.
• A minimum of one adult present must have current resuscitation qualifications and the knowledge and ability to implement safety procedures.

Wading Pools

• Use of wading pool activities must be discussed with families prior to participation and written permission obtained for participation in water-based activities.
• The wading pool must be clean and disinfected appropriately periodically.
• If a child passes a bowel motion while in a wading pool, all children must be removed immediately, the pool emptied and disinfected.
• Children are to be supervised at all times.
• The wading pool must be emptied immediately after use and be stored in a way that prevents the collection of water.
• If the Educator needs to leave the area where children are engaged in water activities, no child should be left in the area where they have unsupervised access to the water.

Water Activities

• Must be supervised at all times.
• Water collection equipment must be emptied immediately after use.

Water Containers

• Safely cover or make inaccessible to children all water containers such as ponds, spas, nappy buckets, bathtubs.
• Ensure that children’s play areas are safely fenced off from water hazards such as dams, creeks, lakes, irrigation channels and wells.

Relevant Documents
Sun Safety Policy Risk Management Policy
T003 - Swimming Permission Form
T004 - Regular Excursion Form
T005 - Excursion Permission Form
ER015 - Pool Fencing Checklist
E001 - Risk Management Plan
E003 - Educator Environment Audit
CR026 -Pool Safety Inspector Guidelines, Qld Government, November 2012
ER028 – Backyard Safety Fact Sheet, Kidsafe Qld
ER029 - Childhood Drowning Fact Sheet, Kidsafe Qld
ER030 - FDC Safety Guidelines, Kidsafe Qld – 5th Edition

References
GR001 - Education and Care Services National Law 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards
ER014 - Swimming Pool Safety Brochure (PDF), Queensland Dept of Housing and Local Government
Playground Safety Resource, Kidsafe Qld Inc (2010)
Kids Alive; Do the five
ER026 -Pool Safety Inspector Guidelines, Qld Government, November 2012
Swimming Pool Barriers
Pool Safety
Building Act 1975, Qld Government (effective 1 December 2010)

TOILETING AND NAPPY CHANGING POLICY

Purpose
To ensure toileting and nappy changing is undertaken in a safe and respectful way while maintaining a high standard of hygiene.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc. (FDCAQ) recognises toileting and nappy changing as a time of learning and increased independence and aims to ensure high standards of health, safety and well-being practices are maintained.

Procedure
Educators are encouraged and supported to provide an environment where toileting and nappy changing is a relaxed and positive experience and allows the opportunity for learning and increased independence.

Information provided by families at the time of enrolment will be taken into consideration to provide comfortable access to toileting.

If children are transitioning through toilet training, Educators will discuss the child’s needs, level of supervision required and language used with parents to ensure consistency with practices at home are supported as much as possible. Educators will communicate regularly with families on the child’s progress and review any routines or behaviours.

The role of the Educator is to:

• Support children’s toilet learning and growing independence;
• Meet children’s individual toileting and nappy changing needs, including self-help skills such as undressing and dressing;
• Maintain hygiene and safety, including hand washing and use of gloves;
• Appropriately supervise children when they are using the toilet;
• Recognise when children no longer require adult assistance;
• Ensure children’s privacy and dignity; and
• Incorporate children’s home toileting and nappy changing language and/or practices where possible
• Understanding that nappy changing is a time to:
  • Have one to one interactions with children, and to give them your full attention;
  • Interact with children using verbal and nonverbal communication, and respond to children’s communication;
  • Engage in simple play activities with children such as singing, rhymes and finger plays;
  • Build children’s understanding of what is happening now and promote their ability to predict what will happen next; and
  • Help children begin to develop and extend their self-help skills, for example, hand washing and dressing.
• Meeting the child’s needs quickly and in a caring responsive way that builds children’s sense of trust and security;
• Respecting the child’s right to privacy and dignity;
• Providing a pleasant sensory experience of being free of a nappy and the comfort of having a fresh, dry one; and
• Incorporating the child’s home toileting language and practice where possible.

To ensure safety and cleanliness and to reduce the risk of cross-infection while toileting, Educators will:

• Supervise the child, giving consideration to the child’s age and experience;
• Encourage independence where appropriate (for example: undressing, wiping, flushing the toilet, hand washing);
• Wear gloves when dealing with anybody excretions;
• Where possible use a toilet ring rather than a potty as disposal of bodily fluids increases the risk of cross infection;
• If using a potty, empty it after each use and clean with soapy water in a sink not used for washing hands;
• Ask parents to supply several changes of clothing and/or spare underpants;
• Ensure any soiled clothes are dealt with hygienically;
• Minimise the risk of cross infection from soiled clothes in the care environment by storing them in a sealed container and sending them home with the child;
• Encourage and supervise the washing and drying of the child’s hands, taking into account the child’s age and development;
• Wash and dry own hands;
• Ensure bathrooms (including surfaces, floors, toilets, taps, buttons and door handles) are cleaned regularly with an appropriate cleaning solution;
• Talk with children about simple rules of hygiene and appropriate toileting and nappy changing practices; and
• Support children through nappy changing and toileting sensitively.

To ensure consideration is given to protective behaviours when undertaking toileting and nappy changing.

Educators will:

• Discuss expectations of toilet use and privacy with families;
• Show respect to the child they are assisting by explaining what they are doing, how they will do it and for older children, gaining permission; and
• Ensure other members of the Educator’s household do not assist a child with toileting and nappy changing unless they are an Educator Assistant.

To ensure safety and cleanliness and reduce the risk of cross-infection while nappy changing.

The Educator will:

• Use a nappy changing surface or mat with an impervious washable surface (so it is easy to wipe over);
• Wipe over the surface using detergent and water which assists in washing away germs. The bottle in which this solution is stored must be clearly labelled and stored out of the reach of children;
• Use a clean piece of paper under the child’s bottom (to reduce the risk of contamination of the change mat);
• Fully supervise and maintain physical closeness with, and attention to a child on any surface while changing nappies - If you need to turn away, keep one hand on baby. If you must leave, take baby with you;
• Ensure all requirements needed during nappy changes, including disposable requirements (i.e. paper, wipes, gloves and nappies), are at hand and easily accessible; and
• Wear disposable gloves during nappy changes (to protect both the educator and the child from the risk of cross-infection.

Relevant Documents
Child Protection Policy
Hygiene Policy
E003 - Environment Audit

References
GR001 - Education and Care Services National Law 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards
GR022 - Staying Healthy - 5th Edition
Extract from Putting Children First, the magazine of the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) Issue
31 September 2009 Policy

RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY

Purpose
To identify, minimise and remove any risk to children’s safety and well-being.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc. (FDCAQ) undertakes to maintain a safe and friendly environment for children by identifying any potential risk to children’s safety and wellbeing and having processes in place to reduce and/or remove any risk of harm.

Procedure
Creating safe and friendly environments for children is a central focus of risk management plans. In addition to this a Risk Management plan provides an opportunity to explore what we can do. Risk management means being aware of potential hazards in a child’s environment and taking steps to remove or minimise them. These risks maybe of a physical or human nature. Educators and staff are required to undertake risk assessments for children’s environments and activities using the ’Risk Priority Calculator’ and ‘Risk Management Plan’ forms as follows:

When identifying a risk:

• Determine the likelihood of an incident “how often is it likely to happen?”
• Determine the consequences of any incident “what harm could it cause?”; and
• Combine the potential likelihood and consequence estimate using the ‘Risk Priority Calculator’.

Factors to consider when determining the likelihood of an incident occurring includes:

• How often the situation occurs;
• The number of factors that contribute to the probability and degree of risk;
• How many people are exposed to the risk;
• The skills, knowledge, experience and age of the people exposed to the risk;
• Any additional needs of the people exposed to the risk;
• The duration and frequency of any exposure;
• The position of any hazard in relation to the people affected and any other hazards in the environment;
• Any distractions;
• The type and amount of equipment found in the environment;
• Environmental conditions such as presence of water or temperature; and
• The effectiveness of current safety practices and the cost of controlling risks.

When making a judgment about the severity of the potential consequences, factors to consider may include:

• Any potential for an ongoing or chain reaction;
• Concentration of any substances and the amount of materials involved;
• The speed of any moving parts; and
• The height and weight of any risk and the positions of people in relation to any risk.

When the level of risk is determined by comparing the relationship between the likelihood and the consequence using the ‘Risk Priority Calculator’, the risk will be allocated a priority number from 1 to 6 and determined as follows:

• 1 or 2 the hazard is to be addressed immediately
• 3 or 4 the hazard is to be addressed as soon as possible; and
• 5 or 6 the hazard may not need immediate attention and is regularly monitored.

Educators and staff are then required to complete a ‘Risk Management Plan’ form and forward it to a Service co-ordinator.

Relevant Documents
Excursion Policy
Education and Care Environment Policy
E001 - Risk Management Plan
E003 - Care Environment Audit
T004 - Regular Excursion (outing) Form
T005 - Excursion Permission Form (Individual)
ER007 - Risk Priority Calculator
E012 – Excursion Risk Management Plan

References
Managing Occupational Health and Safety in Children’s Services, Lady Gowrie, Sue Tarrant.
Child Protection Risk Management Strategy Handbook, Commission for Children, Young People and Child
Guardian, Queensland Government
GR001 - Education and Care Services National Law 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 -Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011

NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY POLICY

Purpose
To support children’s health by offering and encouraging nutritious food choices and planning for physical activity within the day.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc (FDCAQ) recognises the importance of a balanced healthy diet in the growth and development of children’s minds and bodies and will supply, or encourage families to supply a healthy balance of nutritious food and drink for each child to eat, as well as recognising and advocating physical activity for children.

Procedure
It is important that children eat a wide variety of foods so they become use to eating many different foods and are more likely to receive all the nutrients they need for growth, development and energy and for maintaining health. Eating habits are formed early in life, so it is important to encourage positive healthy patterns in a child’s early years.

Increased active play opportunities should be a priority, leading to less sedentary behaviour and screen time whilst children are in care. Educators should encourage and provide experiences for children to be involved in active play, and promote with children and families the benefits of daily physical activity.

Coordinators will:

• Provide information, facilitate training and offer resources for educators to enable, support and monitor the achievement of the policy outcomes;
• Provide families with guidance in appropriate types and amounts of nutritious food for their child while in family day care;
• Actively endorse and support the role of educators as important, reliable sources of information on nutrition and healthy eating practices for children;
• Assist educators to obtain information and guidance from credible health services if additional help is needed with any aspect of a child’s eating including special dietary needs; and
• Support educators:
  • In their role of observing children’s dietary intake, including their right to intervene on a child’s behalf; and
  • To link learning about food and nutrition with their observation and planning for children’s individual developmental plans.
  • To respect differences in families dietary and food preferences, and meal time customs;
  • And inform prospective educators of these as indicated through enrolment
  • Provide parents with information on how to avoid sedentary behavior at home, and advice on showing their children how to be active.

Educators will:

• Ensure that families (and where appropriate, children) are included in decisions on food routines and table manners that are culturally appropriate and acceptable to children, families and educators;
• Inform families about the food and drinks offered in care and what their child eats;
• Observe each child’s food intake, and:
  • Offer foods that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia;
  • Avoid foods that do not fit within recommended guidelines where possible;
  • And inform parents of healthy eating practices and the importance of active daily play
  • Take appropriate action when the nutritional health of any child is at risk; and
  • Inform families of any action taken as appropriate;
• Respect families’ wishes in relation to breast or bottle feeding and make appropriate arrangements to support either feeding method;
• Model healthy eating practices and behaviour when caring for children;
• Ensure that food and nutrition based learning experiences, discussions and daily routines are included in their observations and planning for individual children;
• Act as advocates for the nutritional health of children in care, making certain that the individual food and nutritional needs of each child remain the first priority when managing or negotiating any barriers families face that relate to the food policy;
• Be aware of any food allergies and intolerances of each child and work with families to ensure the child’s safety
• Ensure emergency procedures are in place to manage a food related choking incident or any allergic reaction a child may have to a food;
• Closely supervise the eating environment and encourage children to follow safe and hygienic eating practices;
• Ensure liquids, including water and milk, are accessible and offered regularly throughout the day and more frequently during hotter weather;
• Ensure a relaxed and positive eating environment is available to all children while in care by:
  • Sitting and/or eating together with the children in their care;
  • Being enthusiastic and positive when discussing healthy food;
  • Modelling a healthy attitude to food and healthy eating habits while providing care;
  • Providing cutlery, crockery and seating appropriate for the individual developmental needs of each child in care;
  • Having realistic expectations of children’s behaviour and developmental capabilities; and
  • Keeping meal times as free from distractions as possible (e.g. turn off the television)
• Encourage children to:
  • Choose from a variety of healthy foods;
  • Be aware of, and be comfortable with, the food routines, table manners and food;
  • Follow practices that have been negotiated between the educator, the family, and if possible, the child who is in care;
  • Sit down to eat together with the educator and other children;
  • Talk about food and explore the different tastes, textures and smells of foods; and
  • Be as independent as possible under the supervision of the educator.

Promote physical activity by:

• Providing play areas that offer a variety of play spaces and equipment that is varied, safe, creative and well-maintained
• Acting as role models for appropriate active behaviour, and minimizing their own inactivity.
• Encouraging walking and active play, and ensuring television and computer screens are used minimally.
• Maintaining an appropriate balance between inactive and active times within the day.
• Providing a caring and positive play environment which is planned, with involvement from children, families and educators.
• Planning active play and movement opportunities, including indoor and outdoor play, which are frequent throughout the day and that are appropriate for children of all abilities and ages.

Families have the responsibility to:

• Provide types and amounts of nutritious food for children while in care that are in line with the recommended Dietary Guidelines for children (NHMRC);
• Provide educators with relevant information related to additional or special dietary requirements or food related health issues;
• Liaise with educators to offer food to children that includes culturally appropriate choices, food routines and food related behaviour guidance; and
• Liaise with educators or FDC staff to resolve any barriers faced by families which may prevent food policy outcomes being achieved, and in relation to physical activities planned for their child/ren whilst in care.

Relevant Documents
HR014 - The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, Promotional Brochure and A4 Poster
HR028 - Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia incorporating The Infant Feeding
Guidelines for Health Workers (2003) NHMRC
HR029 - Get up and Grow Healthy Eating and Physical Activity, Australian Government, 2009 Department of
Health

References
GR001 - Education and Care Services National Law 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Educational and Care Services National Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards
Department of Health
There's More to Food Than Eating: Food Foundations for Children Birth To Eight Years Families, Youth and
Community Care – QLD
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/childcare-and-healthy-eating

INCIDENT INJURY TRAUMA AND ILLNESS POLICY

Purpose
To care for children’s health and wellbeing by responding appropriately to any incident, injury, trauma or illness.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc (FDCAQ) aims to maintain and support children’s health and well-being by responding to any incident, injury, trauma or illness in an appropriate, respectful and effective manner using processes recommended by health professionals and emergency services.

Procedure
During enrolment of a child into a service, parents are required to read and sign a mandatory authorisation for staff and Educators to provide emergency medical treatment and services for their child if required.

Educators, Educator assistants and Relief Educators are required to maintain a current Senior First Aid Certificate and Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Certificate, and current approved anaphylaxis training and emergency asthma training. Educators are to be aware of all organisational policies and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency. Educators will maintain and keep accessible all contact details for first aid information and emergency services.

If a child is ill or sustains any injury Educators, Educators Assistant and Relief Educators will:

• Attend to the child with an appropriate first aid response in a safe and timely manner considering all children in the service;
• Notify (or attempt to notify) parents and/or other persons nominated as emergency contacts;
• Notify the nominated staff of services;
• Complete an ‘Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Report Form’ and a Notification of Serious Incident Form SI01,if the child requires medical attention or ought to have sought medical attention outlining:
  • The nature of the accident, illness, trauma or injury;
  • Any medication or medical treatment administered to a child;
  • Any other relevant matter concerning the child’s health; and
  • Refer to flow chart for reporting of the Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness and the SI01
  • Service will retain a copy of Liability Claim Form and other relevant documents until the child is 25 year old.
  • Educators will complete an ‘Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Report Form’ where any minor incident has occurred.
  • Refer to ‘Death of a Child in Care Policy’ in the event a child dies in care.
  • Any incident where the attendance of emergency services at the education and care services or other venues was sought, or ought reasonably to have been sought and forward to services staff immediately.
  • Under the current funding agreement all services are required to immediately report to DEEWR any circumstances in which a child, worker or any other person suffers an injury or as a result of the activity for which treatment from a Doctor or other medical practitioner was sought or ought reasonable have been sought, or an incident that draws the attention of the police, or where the child, worker or any other person dies during or as a result of the activity.

Relevant Documents
Educator Engagement Policy
General Health and First Aid Policy Death of a Child in Care Policy
F001 - Enrolment Form
H002 - Record of Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness
H003 - Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Report Form
H004 - Medication Form
H001 - Child Health Management Plan
FRM MAN 5 - Liability Claim Form (Scheme Insurance Company Form)
Serious Incident SI01

References
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR003 - Education and Care Services Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide to the National Quality Standards
Flow Chart for reporting Incidents

HYGIENE POLICY

Purpose
To provide and maintain a hygienic environment for children’s well-being and to encourage and enhance children’s learning of hygienic practices.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc. (FDCAQ) aims to minimise any risk to children’s health by ensuring the environment that Educators provide to children maintains a high standard of hygiene and personal hygiene methods are learnt and practiced.

Procedure
To ensure cleanliness and reduce the risk of cross-infection in the child care environment, the following must occur:

• Surfaces must be regularly wiped down and cleaned with an appropriate cleaning solution;
• All kitchen equipment and utensils must be washed in hot water with appropriate cleaning solution, rinsed and stored when dry. Bottles and teats must be cleaned with appropriate cleaning tools and solutions and sterilised if required;
• Disposable gloves must be used when in contact with bodily fluids like blood, vomit, urine and faeces;
• Where possible, disposable cloths are to be used to clean up bodily fluids;
• All floors must be clear and cleaned regularly with appropriate cleaning solutions;
• Any rubbish and food scraps must be removed as soon as practical and disposed of appropriately; and
• Outdoor areas and grounds are to be clear and free of vermin.

Effective hand washing is recognised as the best way to maintain hygiene standards and minimise the risk of spreading illnesses and infection. Guidelines for hand washing include:

• Using soap and running water to wash hands;
• Washing all surfaces of the hands and rinsing under running water;
• Drying the hands using paper towels or individual hand towels;
• Using Wipes and/or hand cleaning lotions to clean hands when running water is not available (for example: car or park);
• Educators are to encourage, teach and support children to wash their hands effectively and to allow time in daily routines for supervised hand washing;
• Educators are to wash the hands of babies and toddlers;
• Educators and children are to wash their hands
  • before handling or eating food,
  • after touching pets,
  • after outdoor play,
  • after nappy changing or going to the toilet, and
  • after wiping noses.

Relevant Documents
Bathing Policy
Food Handling Policy
Toileting and Nappy Changing Policy
C003 - Care Environment Audit
HR011 – How to Wash Hands Poster – Staying Healthy – 5th Edition

References
GR001 - Education and Care Services National Law 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards
GR022 - Staying Healthy - 5th Edition

CHILDREN'S GENERAL HEALTH & ADMINISTRATION OF FIRST AID POLICY

Purpose
To maintain the general health and well-being of children.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc (FDCAQ) aims to maintain the general health and well-being of children by communicating with families, monitoring children’s health while in care and ensuring Educators and staff are qualified in appropriate first aid responses.

Procedure
Family Responsibilities:

• Advise staff and Educators on the enrolment form of any health issues for a child including food intolerances, allergies and regular medications;
• Understand that any payment for medical attention required by a child while in care is their responsibility;
• Complete a Children’s Medical Health plan for a child for the management of medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes or anaphylaxis. (but not limited to), in conjunction with a health care practitioner for children with identified continuing health issues;
• Ensure Children’s Medical Health plans are reviewed with a relevant health practitioner by the date recorded on the Medical Management Plan and the Educator is updated immediately with any changes;
• Advise the Educator if a child has been unwell before arriving at care (such as, the day or night before) and advise the Educator of symptoms and any treatment given;
• Keep children away from care if unwell and or presenting any symptoms of illnesses that maybe contagious (see Exclusions for Infectious Diseases Policy)
• Complete a ‘Temporary Placement Form’ to outline a child’s requirements as above If a child is temporarily attending another Educator’s service; and
• Communicate regularly about the child’s health with the Educator and Coordination Unit staff using a variety of methods (such as verbal face to face, phone, emails, notes or letters) to inform the Educator of any infectious disease their child may be suffering from.

To promote and monitor children’s general health and well-being, Educators will:

• Develop a communications plan in consultation with parents.
• Develop a minimisation plan to ensure that risks to child’s health care needs, allergies or relevant medical conditions are assessed and minimised.
• If a child who has been diagnosed with anaphylaxis attends an education and care service, parents of other children in care are required to be notified allergen that posts a risk to the child.
• ‘If applicable notify families in accordance with the service policy of an occurrence of an infectious disease at the education and care service.
• Advise families that it is the responsibility of parents to inform the Educator of any infectious disease their child may be suffering from. If there is any doubt as to whether the illness is infectious, a medical diagnosis must be sought and/or a medical clearance given to the Educator for the child to return to care;
• Pay close attention to any signs of illness or change in a child’s well-being and take all appropriate action as needed;
• Consider the needs of each child in relation to age, the need for privacy, medical history and/or religious and cultural requirements;
• Ensure at all times that the best interests of children’s health and well being are paramount
• Provide close supervision of children, using visual, verbal and listening skills to ensure children are safe;
• Maintain high standards of hygiene to minimise cross-infections.
• Notify parents of any changes to the child/ren’s health condition

All Educators are required to meet the requirements for, and maintain a current Apply First Aid Certificate and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Certificate, approved anaphylaxis management training, and current approved emergency asthma management training and must be able to independently:

• Activate an emergency plan;
• Apply first aid or resuscitation; and
• Contact a child’s doctor or nearest doctor or ambulance and parent.

Relevant Documents
Sun Safety Policy
Exclusion for Infectious Diseases Policy
Immunisation Policy
Hygiene Policy
Administering Medication Policy
F001 - Enrolment Form
F002 - Enrolment Agreement Form
F009 - Temporary Placement Form
H001 - Child Health Management Plan
H004 - Medication Form
TT00 - Travel Emergency Contact List Template

References
GR022 - Staying Healthy - 5th Edition
Anaphylaxis Australia
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards

FOOD HANDLING POLICY

Purpose
To ensure health and safety precautions are maintained in the preparation, storage, heating and cooking of food for children.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc (FDCAQ) requires Educators to have safe and hygienic facilities and maintain high standards of hygiene when preparing, cooking, heating, serving and storing food and drinks for children.

Procedure
The prevention of food borne illness involves attention to hygiene, proper handling and preparation of food and care during food storage and distribution.

• Effective food safety practices:
  • Reflect the Food Safety Standards for Australia in relation to safety practices, premises and equipment standards;
  • Reinforce consistent food safety practices in the service;
  • Reduce the risk of potential food-borne illnesses;
  • Identify potentially hazardous foods;
  • Are regularly reviewed; and
  • Comply with legislative requirements whilst maintaining a flexible approach to meet best practice.
    (Food Safety Standards for Australia, 2001)

Allergies and intolerances are potentially life threatening and exposure to foods which may pose a risk should be avoided. (Refer to Administering Medication Policy).

Close supervision must be maintained whilst children are eating to avoid sharing of food, and choking by young children.

Facilities

• Appropriate safe and efficient working facilities such as a kitchen sink, refrigerator, suitable disposal system and a hot water supply;
• Separate cutting boards for raw meat;
• Facilities and eating areas free of pests and animals;
• Clean food preparation surfaces, tables, utensils and equipment;
• Clean floors; and adequate rubbish facility for hygienic disposal of food scraps.

Storage and disposal

• Food which may spoil is stored in the refrigerator;
• Families are advised to ensure food is safely stored prior to leaving home and during transport to the educator’s home. The educator does not take responsibility for the safety of food supplied by the parent prior to it arriving at the educator’s home;
• All food brought by families on arrival is stored appropriately and safely;
• Food that is taken on an outing is stored appropriately to prevent spoilage; and
• All uneaten food is disposed of after heating.

Hygiene

• Educators and children wash their hands (using the hand washing procedure outlined in the ‘Hygiene Policy’) before handling food and/or eating food. Hands must also be washed after handling any raw meat and before handling other food
• Educators are required to take all practical measures to ensure their body (other than thoroughly washed hands) or anything from their body or clothing does not come into contact with food.
• Children will not eat food, use cups, bottles or utensils that have been dropped on the floor or used by another child.

Safety

• Children are closely supervised at all snack and meal times;
• When bottle feeding babies, Educators will encourage face-to-face interaction and not ‘prop feed’ a bottle. If the baby or child can bottle feed themselves, this must be closely supervised and the bottle removed immediately when it is finished.
• The 4-hour/2-hour rule provides guidelines regarding the safety of food when it has not been stored below 5°C or over 60°C. Ready to eat food that has been at temperatures between 5°C and 60°C
  • For a total of less than 2 hours, must be refrigerated or used immediately;
  • For a total of longer than 2 hours but less than 4 hours, must be used immediately; and
  • For a total of 4 hours or longer, must be thrown out.
  • If you reheat previously cooked and cooled potentially hazardous food, you must reheat it rapidly to 60°C or hotter.

Educators will:

• Clean tables and high chairs that are to be used for the meal with an appropriate cleaning solution;
• Wash and dry their own hands before preparing or serving food and again after interrupting preparation, serving or feeding an infant to care of another child;
• Cover any cuts or wounds on their hands with a waterproof dressing;
• Check that all the children’s hands are washed and dried before they eat or drink;
• Teach children to turn away from food when they cough or sneeze, and then to wash and dry their hands;
• Supervise children who are serving themselves from the same container, and ensure they are using serving utensils;
• Use a separate spoon for each child being fed;
• Use separate utensils (including cutting boards, knives, etc) for raw and cooked food;
• Reheat food to steaming, stir well and allow to cool before it is given to the child to eat;
• Throw out left-over food and report to parents what their child ate during the day;
• Never mix left-overs with a new batch of cooled food;
• Separate raw and cooked foods.
• Heat food and bottles of milk once only;
• Thaw the bottle of frozen breast milk in the fridge or in warm (not boiling) water;
• Heat babies’ bottles containing breast milk using a warming process other than a microwave;
• Preferably heat baby’s bottle by standing it in hot water;
• If a microwave is used to heat a baby’s bottle of milk (other than breast milk), take particular care to ensure the baby is not scalded by hot spots in the bottle by:
• Heating the bottle for short amounts of time;
• Turning the bottle upside down 8-10 times after heating (this helps to avoid “hot spots”);
• Letting it sit for 1-2 minutes before testing the temperature (as formula can keep heating even after the microwave is finished; and
• Shaking gently, then testing the temperature on the wrist before feeding the baby.

Coordinators will:

• Ensure that all educators are provided with a high level of food safety knowledge and/or practices; and
• Assist educators to understand their duty of care to implement and adhere to this Food Handling Policy and ensure a level of protection to all persons who access the service’s facilities and/or programs.

Children and cooking

• Children love to cook. Cooking is a safe and enjoyable activity for children in child care provided that a few simple precautions are taken:
• Always be aware of the dangers of heat;
• Children should not participate in cooking if they have had vomiting or diarrhoea until they have been free of any symptoms for 48 hours;
• Children and adults wash and dry their hands before starting the cooking activity; and
• To assist in minimizing cross infection, it is encouraged any cooking experiences undertaken by the children should involve preparing food that requires further cooking in the oven (for example biscuits, pizza etc…)

Relevant Documents
Hygiene Policy
E003 - Care Environment Audit

References
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards
GR017 - Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act (2001)
GR022 - Staying Healthy - 5th Edition
A Caregiver’s Guide to the Breastfed Baby
‘Bottle feeding - a guide to safe preparation and feeding of infant formula' produced by Children Youth and
Women's Health Service
www.wch.sa.gov.au/services/az/other/nutrition/documents/bottlefeeding.pdf
Get up and Grow ‘Healthy eating and Physical Activity for Early Childhood’ (2009), Australian Government
Department of Health and Ageing

EXCURSION POLICY

Purpose
To ensure any excursions planned for children are safe and appropriate.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc. (FDCAQ) recognises the value for children to participate in activities and learning environments outside the Educators home and will support Educators to provide safe transport and excursions to enhance children’s experiences and learning.

Procedure
Educators are required to minimise the risk of accidents and injuries while on excursions, respond effectively to any emergency and promote awareness in children and their families of road safety and play safety. Educators will develop a Risk Management Assessment/Plan prior to conducting an excursion taking into account the following:

• Identifying and assessing any risks that the excursion may pose in relation to the safety, health or wellbeing of any child taking part in the excursion.
• Providing families with written details of any excursion, including: times and dates, transport mode, safety restraints, destination/address, reason for excursion and any accompanying adults.
• Details of proposed activities/duration of excursion and items required to be taken on excursion: Example Mobile phone and list of emergency contacts, are to be documented on Risk assessment/plan
• Providing the service in advance with information on the ‘Regular Excursion Form’ or ‘Excursion Permissions Form (individual)’ where Educators come together.
• A regular excursion that is a (regular outing) is defined as, but not limited to:
  • Delivering and collecting children from school
  • Attending playgroup sessions
  • Visiting Local Park
  • Visiting another Educators home
• Ensuring parent’s consent is given for their child to participate prior to the excursion commencing. Complete a ‘Regular Outings Form’ in line with the Educators program or ‘Excursion Permissions Form (individual)’.
• Maintaining appropriate child to adult ratios detailed in the Risk Management Plan/Assessment that reflects the number of children attending or likely to attend the excursion. That the numbers of adults involved in the excursion are appropriate and provide supervision and specialised skills if required.
• Planning transport, routes and locations that are the safest and check for any safety hazards in advance or when arriving. Also check for utilities, amenities, shade, etc. Identify on the risk assessment/plan any water hazards and risks associated with water based activities.
• In the event when the approved scheduled departure time or returning time changes, the educator will complete the ‘Excursion Update Notification – For Parents / Guardians form’. This will be on display for parents to view on the scheduled excursion day.
• Walking to an excursion if the route is safe or if using cars, ensuring all child restraints and/or seatbelts are in good working order and meet Aust. Standards 1754 and are age and weight appropriate.
• Children will not be left alone in any vehicle.
• Undertaking and role modelling safe pedestrian behaviour. This includes holding hands, checking roads when crossing and keeping in sight of adults.
• Ensuring any play areas are fenced where possible and clear of traffic or other hazards.
• Undertaking and role modelling sun safety practices.
• Taking a First Aid Kit, emergency contact numbers and medical information for each child, and sufficient food, drink and clothing for each child. A mobile phone be carried and all families informed of the number.
• Having access to facilities to maintain personal hygiene i.e. face washing, hand washing and nappy change.
• Excursions, regular outing permission forms and risk management plans are updated as changes occur.
• When taking regular outings or excursions one Risk Management Assessment/Plan will be developed for each destination on the Regular Excursion and Excursion form (individual)
• Children will not be taken on excursions where Alcohol or other substances are consumed that may place children’s well-being at risk.

Relevant Documents
Transport of Children Policy
Sun Safety Policy Pool and Water Safety Policy
Risk Management Policy
TR001 - A Simple Guide to Child Restraints
T004 - Regular Excursion Form
T005 - Excursion Permission Form (Individual)
T008 - Excursion Update Notification – Parents/ Guardians Form
E012 – Excursion Risk Management Plan
TR004 - Your Activities Commission for Children, Young People and Child Guardian

References
TR001 - A Simple Guide to Child Restraints
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards
GR001 - Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011

EXCLUSIONS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES POLICY

Purpose
To minimise the spread of infectious diseases between children, educators, visitors and staff.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc (FDCAQ) supports children’s health and wellbeing and aims to minimise the spread of any infectious diseases between children and adults by adhering to National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) requirements and other legislative guidelines.

Procedure
Excluding sick children and staff is one of the most important ways of limiting the spread of infection in education and care. The spread of certain infectious diseases can be reduced by excluding a person who is known to be infectious, from contact with others who are at risk of catching the infection.

• Educators will follow all policies and procedures in relation to hygiene management to minimise the spread of infectious disease.
• Educators will contact the families of children in care who show signs of any infectious disease as detailed in the table below to request they be collected immediately and referred for medical advice if necessary.
• Educators or other persons residing in the educator’s home showing signs of infectious disease must contact Coordination Unit staff as soon as possible so that alternate care arrangements can be made for children if requested by the parent.
• People with an infectious disease detailed in the table below will be excluded from an education and care environment to prevent others from being exposed to infection.
• The need for exclusion depends upon:
  • the ease with which the infection can be spread;
  • the ability of the infected person to follow hygiene precautions; and
  • the severity of the disease.
• The exclusion procedure:
  • Identify when symptoms or a medical diagnosis fit a condition with an exclusion period;
  • Refer to the table below for the recommended minimum periods of exclusion;
  • Advise the parents when they may return to the Service;
• When a confirmed outbreak of a notifiable infectious disease has occurred, service staff will contact Queensland Health to notify of the situation and to request any advice or guidance required.
• In regards to a child, an educator or member of the educator’s home suffering from an infectious disease, service staff may request a medical practitioner’s certificate for clearance before resuming the Education and Care program continues.

NHMRC Recommended minimum exclusion periods for infectious conditions for schools, pre-schools and education and care services.

Recommended exclusion periods are based on the time that a person with a specific disease or condition is likely to be infectious.

The following are recommended minimum periods of exclusion based on risk of infection but a child or staff member may need to stay at home longer than the exclusion period to recover from an illness.

Recommended ‘Not excluded’ means there is no significant risk of transmitting infection to others.

Relevant Documents
Children’s General Health and Administration of First Aid Policy
Hygiene Policy
Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy
F001 - Enrolment Record
H002 – Record of Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness

References
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards
GR022 - Staying Healthy – 5th Edition

^a the definition of ‘contacts’ will vary according to the disease – refer to the specific fact sheet for more information.
^b If the cause is unknown, possible exclusion for 48 hours until the cause is identified. However, the educators and other staff who have a food handling role should always be excluded until there has not been a loose bowel motion for 48 hours. Adapted from SA Health Communicable Disease Control Branch http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/ygw/index.htm.

Note that the exclusion advice is consistent with the Communicable Diseases Network Australia Series of National Guidelines (SonGs), where available

EMERGENCY AND NATURAL DISASTER EVACUATION POLICY

Purpose
To respond calmly and effectively to emergency evacuations, caused by fire and natural disasters.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc. (FDCAQ) ensures safety in the Education and care environments by planning for and responding effectively to any fire and emergency evacuations that may occur.

Procedure
Evacuation may be required in the event of a fire, chemical spill, bomb scare, earthquake, gas leak, flood, cyclone or bush fire. To effectively plan and respond to fire and emergency evacuations, Educators and staff will:

• Develop a ‘Risk Management Plan’ identifying any potential risk or emergency and evacuation procedure for any worst case scenarios for your local area as well as immediate environment;
• Keep a fire extinguisher and/or a fire blanket readily accessible near areas where fires could start, like the kitchen. This equipment must be tested six monthly and in accordance with Australian Standard AS1851.1(10995) to ensure it is in good working order;
• Install smoke detectors, test regularly and replace batteries when needed;
• Be aware of the correct use of a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket;
• To keep an evacuation pack (or other relevant emergency kit) including a
  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Torch with spare batteries
  • Portable radio and spare batteries
  • Water and empty containers
  • Can opener
  • Matches and candles
  • Masking Tape, timber strips hammers and nails for windows
  • Emergency contact details (all families as well)
  • Water proof bags
  • Dried or canned food
  • Blankets
  • Children’s necessities (nappies, blankets, etc)
• Display current emergency telephone numbers (ambulance, police, fire, coordination unit, emergency educator);
• Research and revise your local community disasters recovery plan.

The process in the event of a fire or evacuation:

• Develop, keep up to date, and prominently display in the home a fire and emergency evacuation plan which includes:
• Emergency warning alarms
• Pre-planned evacuation procedure including routes and exits
• Pre-planned designated meeting area which is accessible at all times
• Safe, quick and calm evacuation of all children and adults
• Account for all children and adults
• Comfort any children in distress and treat any injuries
• Dial 000 for the fire brigade and ambulance
• Contact all parents
• Contact the service as soon as possible
• Complete incident report
• Practice a fire drill and emergency evacuation regularly with all children at least every 3 months and when a new child starts care. Encourage children to learn strategies like “STOP, DROP, ROLL” if their clothes catch fire or “GET DOWN LOW AND GO, GO, GO” in case of a fire evacuation;
• Record the drill on the Emergency Evacuation Record Form and evaluate the process drill, consider changes and for the fire brigade and ambulance
• Contact all parents
• Contact the service as soon as possible
• Complete incident report
• Practice a fire drill and emergency evacuation regularly with all children at least every 3 months and when a new child starts care. Encourage children to learn strategies like “STOP, DROP, ROLL” if their clothes catch fire or “GET DOWN LOW AND GO, GO, GO” in case of a fire evacuation;
• Record the drill on the Emergency Evacuation Record Form and evaluate the process drill, consider changes and future discussions needed with children and families;
• Ensure the safety and evacuation of all children and staff before trying to contain or extinguish a fire;
• If a child is burnt run slow flowing cold water over burnt part of body, or cover burn with towel soaked in cool water (not ice or ice water), being careful not to make the child hypothermic (too cold)
• Arrange medical treatment; and
• If required, consult counselling and/or debriefing services for any children, families or staff if necessary

If a natural disaster is imminent, like cyclone, flood, bush fire, chemical spill, bomb scare:

• Staff/Educators are encouraged to tune radios into local stations for regular updates.
• Staff/Educators can continue to care on the side of caution unless it is communicated that all schools are closed; Educators will be considered closed too. Consultation with the service is essential to evaluate all aspects of service delivery
• Educators/staff/services should be alert of parent’s workplaces & the ability to collect children if conditions worsen.
• Services are to inform the FDCAQ Services Manager at the FDCAQ office;

If it is considered safe to practice Educators/staff are to:

• Keep up-to-date with local emergency conditions by contacting local authorities
• Contact educators/staff if conditions change. If communicated by local authorities, care will cease and parents will be contacted to collect children

When natural disaster hits:

• Continue to listen to your local radio station for official warning and advice
• Remain calm
• Ensure the safety of the children left in care and yourself
• Refer to Local Emergency Action Guide

After a natural diaster:

• Continue to listen to your local radio station for official warnings and advice
• If you evacuated your home/service, do not return until advised it is safe to do so.
• Contact families and advise them of your condition
• Encourage families to ensure it is safe to move about before attempting to collect their child
• Do not go outside until officially advised it is safe to do so.
• Once official warnings and advice has been given, and children have been collected, commence clean-up
• Beware of fallen power lines, damaged bridges, buildings and tree and do not enter floodwaters
• Services and staff need to inform FDCAQ Services Manager of current state of situation and follow critical incidents policy if required.
• Educators who have been affected will be required to arrange a new care environment audit with the service.
• Care may resume once the care environment audit has been completed.

Relevant Documents
E002 - Emergency Evacuation Drill Form
H002 - Record of Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness
H003 - Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Record Form
TT001 – Travel Emergency Contact List Template
ER016 - Smoke Alarms-Installation and Maintenance Guide
ERO17 - Fire Safety at Home- Be Prepared
ER019 - Evaluation Plan Resource Sheet
Website to develop evacuation plan
www.fire.qld.gov.au/communitysafety/home/documents/QFRS_InfoSheet_EscapePlan.pdf

References
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulation 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards

For more information on Natural Disasters visit:
Emergency Management Queensland
www.emergency.qld.gov.au
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service
https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/
Bureau of Meteorology
http://www.bom.gov.au/
or Tel: 1300 659 212 for weather watch warnings

DENTAL AND ORAL HEALTH POLICY

Purpose
To support and promote children’s dental and oral health.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc. (FDCAQ) aims to support children’s dental and oral health by encouraging and promoting good dental and oral hygiene behaviour.

Procedure
Oral and dental health care includes encouraging hygienic behaviour in children and families, contributing to reducing the likelihood of dental cavities in children and preventing and reducing the likelihood of dental trauma in children. Considerations include:

• Encouraging families to provide information relating to their child’s dental requirements during the enrolment process including contact details for any preferred dentist and expected practices in relation to cleaning teeth while in care;
• Staff and Educators providing current information to children and families on good dental and oral health practices;
• Educators providing any storage facilities for toothbrushes and other equipment as required and maintain these facilities in a clean and hygienic manner;
• Avoiding the use of bottles containing fruit juice, cordial or soft drink, pacifiers dipped in sweet substances or sugary snacks or lollies as behavioural rewards;
• Encouraging families to offer a variety of nutritious food such as vegetables, cheese, yoghurt and fruit and to offer water to drink in preference to carbonated drinks or fruit juices;
• Encouraging children to eat a variety of nutritious foods; and
• Reporting to families any sign of tooth cavities, discomfort or injury to teeth and gums in children.
• Children will be given water after food, and encouraged to swish around mouth to clear food residue.

Relevant Documents
Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy Hygiene Policy
GR022 - Staying Healthy 5th Edition
HR017 - Oral Health for Infants and Toddlers
HR018 - Oral Heath for children 3-12 years
HR019 - Oral Hygiene for babies

References
HR019 - Oral Hygiene for babies - Raising Children’s Network
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 – Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards

DELIVERY AND COLLECTION OF A CHILD POLICY

Purpose
To ensure children are delivered and collected from an Education and care service in a responsible manner.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc. (FDCAQ) acknowledges the safety and security of children is of paramount importance when transferring the care responsibility from one adult to another and will ensure processes maintain high safety standards for families accessing care.

Procedure
Families are required to complete an ‘Attendance Record’ provided by Educators confirming the transfer of care responsibility on arrival and departure (including times and signatures) of each day the child attends care. A child will be delivered into the care of the engaged Educator, Educator Assistant or Relief Educator only and will be collected only by authorized persons. Further considerations include:

• A parent or authorised nominee provides written authorisation for the child to attend an excursion. E.g. – Outings, excursions and or school
• When a child requires emergency, or there is another emergency.
• Serious incidents such as a child leaving the care environment unattended and without prior written consent by the parent or authorised nominee. Regulatory Authority to be notified within 24 hours of any incident.
• Attendance records are to be kept.
• Enrolment forms will specify the name of persons who are authorized by families to collect the child when required. These details can be updated by families when required;
• Authorized persons delivering and collecting children must be over the age of 18 or authorized nominee.
• An Educator’s ‘Certificate of Engagement’ will identify details of any Educator Assistant who is engaged to take delivery of any child;
• All reasonable notice will be given to families or Educators when alternative care arrangements are required; considerations include:
• Educators and families must provide each other with reasonable notice where possible of any delays or variations in delivery and collection times of children;
• When a Educator collects children from other Education and Care venues services or schools, the Educator will act on behalf of the family and sign any records of attendance;
• Parents/Guardians are legally responsible for the safety of the child until she/he arrives at the Educators home. It is recommended that children under the age of ten (10) are escorted to and from the Educators home;
• Children making their own way to and from school must have written permission from the parent. The Educator will have a risk management plan for children arriving at or leaving the Educator’s home unaccompanied.
• This plan should cover the situation of a child not arriving at the Educator’s home within a specified time-frame and should be devised in consultation with the family.
• An Educator will notify the school, family and the Service if any child attending an after-school care service does not arrive at the Educator’s home within a specified time.

Where parenting arrangements are in place either formally or informally (such as, parenting plans or court orders), Service staff and Educators will:

• Discuss with both parents where necessary, if a shared care arrangement is in place, as to who the primary contact parent is and take advice from both parents. It is expected that parents will negotiate satisfactory arrangements to maintain their child’s access to education and care. If parents cannot reach a satisfactory arrangement with Educators and Service staff at any time, the Service staff will seek legal advice in relation to managing any care issues.
• Families are required to provide copies of any court orders or other relevant documents to Service staff to ensure any directives are followed in accordance with the order.
• Families are required to advise Service staff and Educators of any change in status of the court orders.
• It is recommended that any requirement for supervised access or visitation occurs at a place other than a Family Day Care home.

Relevant Documents
F001 – Enrolment Form
F002 - Enrolment Amendment Record
F006 - Child Attendance Record
T007 - Independent Child Arrival/Departure
Permission Form

References
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care services National Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards

DEATH OF A CHILD IN CARE POLICY

Purpose
To ensure emergency services and support are accessed if a child dies while in care.

Policy
If the tragedy of the death of a child should occur while a child is attending care, the Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc (FDCAQ) will do everything in its power to support the family of the child, the other children in care, Educators and staff.

Relevant Documents
Incident, Illness, Trauma and Injury Policy
Emergency and Natural Disaster Evacuation Policy
Risk Management Policy
H002 - Record of Incident, Illness, Trauma and Injury Form
H003 - Incident, Illness, Trauma and Injury Report Form
H007 - Incident, Illness, Trauma and Injury Record
HR002 - SIDS & KIDS safe sleeping brochure
Incident, illness, Trauma and Injury flow chart

References
GR001 - Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Service National Regulation 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards

DANGEROUS CHEMICALS AND TOXIC PRODUCTS POLICY

Purpose
To provide a safe environment for children by reducing any risk of harm caused by exposure to dangerous chemicals or toxic products.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc. (FDCAQ) aims to support Educators to provide a safe environment for children by ensuring the selection, storage and use of any dangerous chemicals and toxic products considers the health and wellbeing of children in care.

Procedure
Accidental poisoning is the second most common hospital admission for child injuries in Australia. The most common accidental poisoning involves medications and other main agents of poisoning in children are found in chemical products routinely used in the home.

Selection

• Educators and staff are recommended to choose the least hazardous method for a task or activity. For example, when undertaking pest control, increase sanitation and reduce indoor and outdoor clutter to improve ability to clean and reduce nesting and hiding places for pests.
• Educators and staff are recommended to choose the least hazardous chemical or product for a task or activity involved;
• Ensure all contractors or workers in the education and care environment use the lowest toxicity products or chemicals as possible to undertake and complete a task; and
• Where possible, select any chemicals, toxins or medications with child resistant lids or caps.

Storage

• Ensure that all dangerous cleaning materials, poisons and medications are stored in their original labelled container and not transferred to any other unlabelled container;
• All dangerous chemicals or toxic products are to be stored in appropriate facilities inaccessible to children; and
• Any chemicals or medications requiring refrigeration are to be stored in a labelled child resistant container, preferably in a separate compartment or in a part of the refrigerator inaccessible to children.
• A Material Safety Data Form must be kept for decanted products (not with original package/labelling).

Use

• Educators and staff are required to follow all instructions on packaging and labels relating to quantities and use of chemicals or products;
• Where possible, Educators are required to limit exposure of any required chemical (for example: spraying a cleaning product onto a cloth instead of spraying into the air);
• Any pressure pack spray (for example: fly spray) is not to be used in close proximity to children or near exposed food; and
• Educators and staff are required to seek medical advice immediately if poisoning or potentially hazardous ingestion, inhalation, skin or eye exposure has occurred and/or call the Poisons Information Line on 131126 or an ambulance on 000.

Relevant Documents
Risk Management Policy
E001 - Risk Management Plan
E003 - Environment Audit
TT001 - Emergency Contacts Template

References
Risk Management Policy
(Australian Standards)- AS 3780 - The Storage and Handling of Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
GR020 - Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011
GR021 - Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2011
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards

CRITICAL INCIDENT POLICY

Purpose
To provide staff and management with a process for quick, decisive and effective response to critical incidents

Policy
Family Day Care Association Qld Inc (FDCAQ) will endeavour to respond in an immediate, professional and compassionate manner to an existing or projected traumatic event. Every effort will be made by FDCAQ staff and management to minimise disruption of service delivery in the event of a critical incident.

Definition:
A critical incident is an event that impacts significantly on the normal functioning of a service and might be acute, unexpected, unpredictable, threatening or contain elements that shock.

These incidents might include but are not be limited to:

• An event requiring intervention by emergency services personnel;
• An event that severely affects a significant number of staff and/or management;
• An event that causes strong emotional reactions but does not interfere with the running of a service.

The nature of a critical incident varies and might be:

• Violent
• Threatening
• Severe accident
• Death
• An event that triggers the memory of an individual’s previous traumatic experience.

Procedure
Responsibility:

• Consideration will be given to any impact a critical incident may have on children, families, educators, staff and other stakeholders.
• Staff and management deliberations will be underpinned by compliance with relevant legislation as well as The National Quality standards and will consider the safety, communication and support of all involved.

Response:
Staff and management will work together to respond quickly and effectively to:

• Reduce the traumatic impact of the incident;
• Minimise disruption to service delivery especially those services involving children and families;
• Assist those affected by an incident to manage acute stress; and
• Implement strategies to minimise the development of related conditions (such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Response:

• Staff must immediately advise their Line Manager or most senior staff member available in the event of a critical incident.
• The Line Manager will then inform the Regional or Operations Services Manager of all details. (Follow flow Chart for the reporting of Incidents, injury, trauma and Illness).

Response:

• The staff member involved in a critical incident is required to complete a written report detailing:
  • The date and time of the incident;
  • Names of people involved;
  • Who was notified on the day; and
  • Details of the processes and steps taken by the people involved.
• The flow chart for reporting of incident, injury trauma and Illness will be followed.
• The Manager and their Line Manager will meet to review and assess the safety, communication and support needs of the people involved with recommendations addressed in a timely and respectful manner.
• Information sessions may be provided to staff and visitors if deemed necessary.
• The Manager will generate a Critical Incident Plan based on an immediate response, with planning and follow-up strategies.

Support intervention may include, but is not limited to:

• An offer of individual debriefing or group debriefing for affected groups;
• An offer for staff to access compassionate leave or time out as appropriate;
• An offer for staff to access professional support services as appropriate;
• Temporary reallocation of child care placements to alternative Educators or services if necessary;
• Arrange meetings (with appropriate professionals ) for all stakeholders affected by the incident;
• Arrange for relief workers as necessary;
• Encourage service staff to be available for discussions with educators and parents;
• Acknowledge those involved may need to temporarily reduce workloads so as to deal with emotional reactions or to attend to other tasks resulting from the incident.

Review and Assessment:
A review and risk assessment of the critical incident will be undertaken and documented, taking into consideration:

• How and why the incident occurred?
• Could it have been predicted or prevented in any way?
• Were the procedures followed adequate for the situation?
• Can changes be made to a policy or procedure to minimise the impact on people?
• Are updates or inclusions required to the Educator/Service Safety Checklists?
• Is ongoing support required for a person and what support will that be?

Records:
Staff and management will ensure accurate records are maintained including details of:

• The incident
• The ensuing Critical Incident Plan detailing responses in line with the flow chart
• Associated documentation required to comply with FDCAQ’s statutory accountability.

All records will be stored at FDCAQ office with copies held at the site of the critical incident and a copy forwarded to relevant stakeholders. Documents associated with statutory requirements will be held for the minimum period as stated in the relevant legislation.

Relevant Documents
SI01 - Notification of Serious Incident – V6
Flow Chart Nl01
NL01 - Notification of Complaints and Incidents - V6
Flow Chart Sl01

References
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 -Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
Child Protection Law 1999

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Purpose
To ensure the safety of children in care and ensure their protection from harm.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc (FDCAQ) is committed to ensuring the safety of all children and will respond to any situation where a child is harmed or suspected to have been harmed in a respectful, consistent manner which meets legislative requirements.

Harm or suspected harm to a child is detrimental and can have a significant effect on a child’s physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing.

Procedure
All Educators, Educator assistants and Adult Occupants (who are over the age of 18 years who resides, or intends to reside) at the Educator’s family day care residence are required to hold satisfactory Working with Children Positive Notices undertaken by the Commission for Children and Young People;

• A record of visitors to a family day care residence or approved family day care venue must be kept.
• Educators are required to ensure currency pertaining to the child protection Law.
• Educator’s must ensure own family and any other visitors are made aware of the child protection law;
• Children in Family Day Care Settings are not to be left alone with visitors.
• Educators supervise children in care and ensure children are visible or able to be heard at all times;
• Educators ensure each child has their own age appropriate cot, mattress or bed which is placed for best visibility;
• The rights and dignity of all children are respected;
• Children’s behaviour is guided positively and respectfully;
• Induction and training includes the early detection of harm, cultural awareness and full requirements of mandatory reporting and self-protective strategies
  • Mandatory reporting is required if Educators have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is at risk of harm by any person, due to:
  • The child’s basic physical or psychological needs not being met;
  • Unwillingness or inability to arrange any required medical care;
  • The child has been or is at risk of being physically or sexually abused or ill-treated;
  • The child being at risk of physical or psychological harm through incidences of domestic violence; and
  • Any behaviour that causes the child suffering or at risk of suffering psychological harm.
• Educator’s training includes teaching children self-protective behaviour and Educator’s are encouraged to incorporate strategies into each child’s learning environment;

It is highly recommended that Educators contact service staff as soon as they have any concerns about a child’s well-being. If for any reason, this is not able to happen and the Educator has reasonable grounds to believe that a child is currently at risk of harm, the Educator must contact:

• The Department of Child Safety 1800 811 810 (business hours);
• Child Safety After Hours Service Centre 1800 177 135 (24 hours) (QLD only); or
• The Police 000.

The Child Safety after Hours Service Centre (formerly Crisis Care) is a 24-hour state wide service that provides after hours responses to clients of the department, members of the public and staff from government departments and community agencies in relation to child protection matters.

• The identity of the person reporting harm is confidential and protected legally in accordance with regulations;
• Educators are made aware that it is a criminal offence to emotionally, physically or sexually harm a child; and
• Educators are not to interview children or notify families about any harm or suspected harm and are to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Relevant Documents
Educator family and visitor Involvement Policy
Critical Incidents Policy Positive Behaviour Guidance Policy
ER022 - Risk Management Legislation Info Sheet
Record of visitors to Family Day Care residence or approve venue
SR004 - Your young People and Clients
Napcan Resources:
HR023 - The importance of Play in a Child’s Development
HR025 - Listening to babies
HR026 - Listening to young people

References
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
GR007 - Child Protection Act 1999
GR008 - Child Protection Regulations 2011
GR016 - Commission for Children and Young People Act 2000, Queensland Government
https://www.cyjma.qld.gov.au/contact-us/department-contacts/child-family-contacts/child-safety-service-centres

BEDDING AND REST POLICY

Purpose
To ensure safe and comfortable bedding is available to provide for each child’s need for rest.

Policy
The Family Day Care Association of Qld Inc. (FDCAQ) recognises each child’s need for rest and sleep as an essential part of the day and aims to ensure safe and appropriate bedding equipment is provided and maintained in an appropriate space.

Procedure
Educators and Service staff will work together to ensure that:

• Children use comfortable and safe bedding equipment in appropriate spaces;
• The child care environment supports a relaxed and comfortable transition to rest time for children;
• The environment allows for flexibility in children’s needs when resting; and
• Cots and beds used for family day care children comply with the appropriate Australian Standards.

Educators will:

• Plan for rest/sleep times as an essential part of the child’s day with children involved in the preparation for rest with familiar routines (unhurried, comfortable and considering any cultural or religious requirements);
• Provide alternative quiet activities for those children who do not sleep or who may need encouragement to rest quietly;
• Provide an environment able to support the individual child’s rest needs;
• Follow the recommendations to reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) provided by Kidsafe Australia;
• Monitor sleeping children regularly; and
• Give consideration to appropriate clothing, lighting, sound, temperature and ventilation for children while sleeping or resting.

Educators will ensure that:
For cots:

• All cots will comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172 (see Fact Sheet)
• Cots are used appropriately for the recommended age and weight of the child;
• The cot mattress has a waterproof cover and the mattress is kept in a good, dry, dust free and clean condition;
• Drop side mechanisms are secure and easy for an adult to use, but not a child;
• There are no toxic surfaces (for example: lead based paint in old cots);
• Cots are positioned so that there is no danger from windows, heaters, power points and curtain cords;
• Walls against which cots are placed are free of objects such as pictures or mirrors that could fall on a child;
• The cot has no more than two legs with castors or at least one pair of castors has brakes;
• Rlectric blankets and hot water bottles are not used;
• Cots are clean and well maintained;

For portable folding cots:

• All portable folding cots will comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2195-1999 (see Fact Sheet). This standard applies to an enclosure used for sleeping which can be folded when not in use and a playpen that has a floor;
• Portable cots are not used for a child who weighs more than the manufacturer’s recommended weight;
• Only the cot mattress provided by the manufacturer is used
• The sides of a porta-cot are fully clicked into place and are secure each time the cot is used; and
• The mechanisms are regularly checked for signs of wear and mesh sides are checked for damage.

For beds:

• No waterbeds or beanbags are used for children’s resting and sleeping;
• Individual beds are used for each child; unless culturally appropriate
• Where appropriate, mattresses have a waterproof cover;
• The mattress is kept in a good, dry, dust free and clean condition; and
• Bed rails are used as necessary for young children

For bunk beds:

• Bunk beds meet AS/NZS 4220:1994 (see Fact Sheet);
• Bunk beds are not used with children under 9 years; and
• Ladders are removed when the top bunk is not in use.

For bedding:

• There is sufficient linen suitable for climatic conditions for each child’s sleeping situation;
• Each child has individual clean linen; and
• Bed or cot linen is changed and laundered regularly, or if wet or soiled, or before use by a different child.

Relevant Documents
E003 - Environment Audit
ER011 - Keeping Children Safe – Queensland Government – May 2011
ER012 - Nursery Equipment - Kidsafe Fact
Sheet HR001 – Keeping Baby Safe – Guide to Nursery products
HR002 - SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping
HR031 - Bedding and Rest Fact Sheet

References
ER011 - Keeping Children Safe – Queensland Government
HR002 - SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping
GR006 - The Guide for the National Quality Standards
GR001 – Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010
GR002 - Education and Care Services National Law (Qld) Act 2011
GR003 - Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Fact Sheets on Cots, Portable cots and Bunk Beds
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Product Safety Australia Information on Cots with Dropsides