A student information sheet must be completed at the time of enrollment. This information must be accurately maintained throughout the year and must include emergency numbers, payment receipts, policy statements, medication forms and field trip activity forms. Parents must complete all forms and sign the discipline policy before enrollment. All students must have a current Immunization Record on file with the PERK program, DSS Form 2900, emergency information, insurance provider, written permission/authorization to obtain emergency care and/or to transport for medical services- 114-505 I(2)(c), signed statement by parents (updated annually) that acknowledges their acceptance and understanding of all center policies, including discipline policies, which are clearly defined in this Handbook.
IMMUNIZATION– all children ages 3-12 are required to have up to date proof of immunizations.
MEDICATION – 114.505 D(1)-(4): No medication is administered unless the parent completes a school medication form. If the child needs to take oral medication on a regular basis during the day, medication must be in the original container, labeled with the child’s name, dosage, instructions, and other pertinent information. A permission form from the office must be presented with the signature of the physician or medical agency. All medications will be secured under lock and key and refrigerated, if applicable.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL PLAN – 114-505 C(1)-(3): In case of a medical emergency, the supervisor will utilize the emergency information on the child’s individual emergency card. If not a critical situation, the supervisor will attend to the child and notify the parent and together determine the severity and if immediate medical care is needed. The parent will give permission for staff to call 911 or arrange for pick up. If the situation is critical, the supervisor will immediately call 911, and then notify the parents. An Accident Check Sheet will be completed for each minor accident with date and notice for parents. The plan will include a list of emergency phone numbers and any medical conditions that would require immediate medical care by health care professionals. It will also include emergency evacuation procedures.
Each center will have a first aid kit available. If an emergency medication is needed, such as an EpiPen or inhaler, it will be stored in the first aid kit and readily accessible. If a child is hurt or needs assistance, the caregiver will contact the persons on the emergency card. Parents, who do not wish to be called at work, must give an alternate person to contact. The staff will treat minor scratches, scrapes, insect bites, etc. for the comfort and protection of the child.
114-509 B(2)(a): Any child showing signs of illness will be isolated until he/she leaves the program. A staff member will be available to comfort and observe periodically. The parent will be notified and expected to pick up the child immediately after contact.
PERK welcomes children with special needs. However, care will remain within the teacher-child ratio as directed by DSS/ABC. Additional care or one-on-one care cannot be provided for special need services (Part C or H). Parents who need lower ratio special need care should seek services through the local Disabilities and Special Needs Board. (These programs actually operate separately from other school programs and are not part of the school’s regular educational programming.)
Because there is no isolation room, a mildly ill child (coughing, upset stomach/no diarrhea) will be sent to the health room at the school office during regular school hours or isolated in a specific area in the center until a parent arrives. If a child has a fever of over 99 degrees, signs of ring worm, pink eye, diarrhea, signs of chicken pox or other childhood diseases, the parent will be called immediately to pick up the child. The centers do not accept children who are sick. Children who exhibit the conditions listed in the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Exclusion Policy, State Law 1976, Code Section 44-I-110, 44-I-140, and 44-29-10 will be excluded from the center until a physician’s note indicates that the child is able to return.
PLEASE NOTE – 114-505 G(2-5): If a staff member exhibits the same conditions listed in the SCDHEC Policy, they cannot return to work without a physician’s note.
RELEASE OF CHILDREN – 114-503 F(2): The center has developed a policy for the release of children which includes a security system to prevent the inappropriate release of a child to an unauthorized person.
Only persons listed on the emergency card will be allowed to pick up children. Those persons must have a picture ID or family code on file. Parents will be asked to provide a family code at the time of enrollment and it will be kept on file and used throughout the year.
EVACUATION PLAN – 114-504 H(3): Each center will have a fully operational fire extinguisher available and will have posted routes for evacuation. Emergency numbers will be posted near the phone. Fire drills will be conducted with the school’s drills. There will be a log available with times and dates. Each school will develop a School Emergency Management Plan with a generic list of actions to be taken by schools in response to a variety of potential emergencies whenever events occur that threaten the safety and health of children. Each site has the flexibility to develop additional plans and procedures particular to its own unique situations. Each site has an Emergency/Disaster Plan and Inclement Weather Procedures.
Daily snacks will be provided; therefore, if a child has any allergies or is unable to eat a certain type food, it must be indicated on the emergency card. Parents are also requested to specify if the child has any special needs, behavioral problems, attends special classes, or conditions that would assist the caregiver in the understanding the child.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING 114-503 I(4): If a caregiver suspects child abuse or neglect, the law requires that it is reported to the Department of Social Services.
CONFIDENTIALITY 114-503 I(1-4): To safeguard the confidentiality of all records, children’s files and staff’s files will be kept in a locked file cabinet. The child’s record, emergency information, photograph and other information about the child or family and information that may identify a child by name or address is confidential and may not be copied, posted on a website or disclosed to unauthorized persons, without written consent from the child’s parents. Staff information will be kept confidential and not disclosed to unauthorized persons without written permission. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FIA) childcare records are largely public information and copies may be obtained by submitting a written request to the office of General Counsel.
Communication is an important part of our program and we want to make every effort to be supportive and pleasant. If any problem arises with staff or program services, parents are encouraged to contact the supervisor at individual schools or call the Director Dr. Cynthia Graham at 803.774-5900. Parents may e-mail individual programs using the school’s e-mail address.
During the summer PERK program, transportation will be used to and from field trips. Bus manifests will be utilized. The caregivers and supervisor will have in their possession the children’s emergency information and a first aid kit. In addition, the caregiver will account for each child when entering and exiting the bus and building during a field trip.