In Module 4, we will cover important information about health and safety.
In this section, you will learn about caring for ill children and administering medication.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0435, subpart 16, item A, subitems (1-4)
The following provisions must be followed for the care of ill children:
A. The provider shall notify the parent immediately when a child in care develops any of the following symptoms:
(1) underarm temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or over, or an oral temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or over;
(2) vomiting;
(3) diarrhea; or
(4) rash, other than mild diaper or heat-related rash.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0435, subpart F, items (1) and (2)
The following provisions govern the administration of medicine by the provider to children in care:
Item (1) The provider shall obtain written permission from the child's parent prior to administering medicine, diapering products, sunscreen lotions, and insect repellents. Nonprescription medicines, diapering products, sunscreen lotions, and insect repellents must be administered according to the manufacturer's instructions unless there are written instructions for their use provided by a licensed physician or dentist.
Item (2) The provider shall obtain and follow written instructions from a licensed physician or dentist prior to administering each prescription medicine. Medicine with the child's name and current prescription information on the label constitutes instructions.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0435, Subpart 15, item B
A child's hands must be washed with soap and water when soiled, after the use of a toilet or toilet training chair, and before eating a meal or snack. The provider shall monitor and assist the child who needs help.
Item B. Caregivers shall wash their hands with soap and water after each diaper change, after assisting a child on the toilet, after washing the diapering surface, and before food preparation. Hands must be dried on a single use towel.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0435, subpart 15, item A
In sinks and tubs accessible to children, the water temperature must not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent children from scalding themselves while washing.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0435, subpart 13, items A and B
Children in diapers shall be kept clean and dry. The following sanitary procedures must be used to reduce the spread of communicable disease.
An adequate supply of clean diapers must be available for each child and stored in a clean place inaccessible to children. If cloth diapers are used, parents must provide a change of the outer plastic pants for each fecally soiled diaper change. Cloth diapers, except those supplied by a commercial diaper service, and plastic pants, if supplied by parents, must be labeled with the child's name.
B. Diapers and clothing must be changed when wet or soiled.
This section will cover requirements for meals, nutrition, and drinking water.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0445, subpart 4
Food must be handled and stored properly to prevent contamination and spoilage.
Item A. All food and cooking utensils must be stored to protect them from dust, vermin, pipe leakage, or other contamination.
Item B. Food requiring refrigeration must be maintained at no more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Food requiring heating must be maintained at no less than 150 degrees Fahrenheit until ready to serve. Frozen food must be maintained in a solid state until used.
Item C. Appliances used in food storage and preparation must be safe and clean.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0445, subpart 3
Well-balanced meals and snacks must be offered daily.
Item A. Food served during the day must include servings from each of the basic food groups as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture's Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 226.20.
Item B. The provider shall follow written instructions obtained from the parents, at the time of enrollment, on each child's special diet or food needs. Parents shall be consulted about special food preferences.
Item C. Flexible feeding schedules must be provided for infants and toddlers, and the infant or toddler's usual diet and feeding schedule must be followed.
Minnesota Rules, part 9502.0445, Subpart 1
There must be a safe water supply in the residence.
Item A. Water from privately owned wells, must be tested annually by a Minnesota Health Department certified laboratory for coliform bacteria and nitrate nitrogens to verify safety. The provider shall file a record of the test results with the agency. Retesting and corrective measures may be required by the agency if results exceed state drinking water standards or where the supply may be subject to off-site contamination.
Item B. Drinking water must be available to the children and offered at frequent intervals in separate or single service drinking cups or bottles.
Meals must include each of the basic food groups and snacks must be made up of at least 3.
You must ask a parent or guardian about their child’s special food needs and follow special dietary requirements as instructed.
You must allow for flexible eating schedules for the infants and toddlers in care.
Safe food practices must be followed for all meals, snacks, and bottles.
You may choose to follow a food program, which offers training, mentorship, and reimbursement for eligible food costs. For more information on food programs, reach out to your county licensor or local Child Care Wayfinder.
Offer drinking water often throughout the day.
Well water must be tested every year.
