Injury Guidelines
Reporting of Accidents and Incidents
Accident Reports are completed for all types of injuries, including falls, scratches and other interactions that result in injury. A copy of the Accident Report is kept on file at the center and given to the parents. Additionally, at the discretion of the child care staff, parents may be contacted by phone and/or e-mail, depending on the severity of the accident.
Incident Reports are completed for injuries that require a child to see a doctor for follow-up. These are in addition to Accident Reports. Incidents must be reported to licensing within 24 hours and a written report must be sent within 72 hours. If a child is injured while at the child care center and is taken to the doctor by the parents, parents should notify the Program Manager so that an Incident Report can be filed. Parents should also alert their physician that the child is in group care, so the physician can recommend when the child should return to care.
If a child requires immediate medical attention, in addition to staff administering first aid, we will call USC's Department of Public Safety (DPS) to alert them to the emergency. DPS will assist and call for emergency medical response. Parents and/or authorized representatives will be notified immediately.
Biting
It is normal for infants and toddlers to explore people and toys with their mouths and for many two-year olds to try biting. Children may bite because of frustration, because they feel threatened or simply to experiment. Most biting does not continue past the age of three. When a child bites another child, our teachers intervene immediately by providing care to the child who was bitten and letting the child who bit know that type of behavior is unacceptable. All staff will be notified of the incident and a staff person assigned to monitor the child who bit. We will notify all parents of the children involved, but we will not name the child who bit. If biting continues after several weeks, teachers will meet with the parents of the child who is biting to develop a plan to change the behavior. A staff person will be assigned to "shadow" the child to carry out the plan determined by parents and staff. The goal is to teach the child and give positive attention for acceptable social behaviors. The staff person will also chart any further attempts at biting and their circumstances to help understand what may be causing the child to bite. If the child still continues to bite, he/she will be referred for further assessment and/or professional help. If we are unable to meet the needs of the child, the parents will be asked to make alternative child care arrangements.
State Mandated Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
The state of California requires that child care workers report suspected abuse or neglect to the proper authorities.
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