9.4.2.7: Contents of Facility Health Log for Each Child

The file for each child should include a facility health log maintained on an ongoing basis by designated staff. The facility health log should include:

1. Staff and parent/guardian observations of the child’s health status, behavior, and physical condition;
2. Response to any treatment provided while the child is in child care, and any observable side effects;
3. Notations of health-related referrals and follow-up action;
4. Notations of health-related communications with parents/guardians or the child’s primary care provider;
5. Staff observations of changes in and assessments of the child’s learning and social activity;
6. Documentation of planned communication with parents/guardians and a list of participants involved;
7. Documentation of parent/guardian participation in health education.

RATIONALE

A facility health log maintained by caregivers/teachers can document staff’s observations and concerns that may lead to intervention decisions.

COMMENTS

The facility health log is a confidential, chronologically-oriented location for the recording of staff observations, patterns of illness, and parent/guardian concerns. It can be followed and can become guidelines for intervention, if needed.

Facility observation logs provide useful information over time on each child’s unique characteristics. Parents/guardians and caregivers/teachers can use these logs in planning for the child’s needs. On occasion, the child’s primary care provider can use them as an aid in diagnosing health conditions.

“Hands-on” opportunities for parents/guardians to work with their own child or others in the company of caregivers/teachers should be encouraged and documented.

Staff notations on communication with parents/guardians can be in a parent/guardian log separate from the child’s health record.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

2.3.2.1 Parent/Guardian Conferences
2.3.2.3 Support Services for Parents/Guardians
2.4.3.1 Opportunities for Communication and Modeling of Health and Safety Education for Parents/Guardians
2.4.3.2 Parent/Guardian Education Plan
9.4.1.6 Availability of Documents to Parents/Guardians
Appendix F: Enrollment/Attendance/Symptom Record
Appendix AA: Medication Administration Packet