Immunizations / Illness
Immunizations and immunization records must be current. Verification of immunizations must be presented at the time of registration (i.e., shot record card). Care will be denied if immunizations are not current.

In accordance with AR 608-10, 4-66, children must have documented age-appropriate immunizations. Children with special needs will be accepted upon recommendation of the Special Needs Resource Team (SNRT). Placement will be determined by developmentally/physically appropriate environment, child/adult ratios, group sizes and facility availability.

Children who appear to be ill or show visible signs of fever will be closely screened and may be denied admission. No child will be admitted with a suspected contagious disease or with a temperature of 100.5 degrees F. or greater axillary (under arm) for children under three months of age and 101.1 degrees F. or greater axillary for children over three months of age. You must inform the Director/Assistant Director/Program Manager or Program Lead if your child has a contagious or communicable disease.

If your child becomes ill, vomits, has diarrhea, or is injured and needs medical care, you will be contacted to pick him up immediately. If your child is not picked up by you or your emergency designee immediately or within an hour of notification, your Unit Commander/Supervisor will be contacted to handle the situation. If your child is sent home with a rash or any other suspected communicable disease, you will be required to have a doctor's statement identifying the rash prior to returning to the program. If your child is sent home with a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, he will not be admitted to the program for 24 hours after all symptoms have subsided. Children must be well enough to participate in usual program activity and to go outdoors. In the event of a true life-threatening emergency, 911 will be called and your child will be transported to a local hospital. You will be contacted immediately.

All CYS programs follow universal health precautions and DA guidelines to minimize the risks of infection.

All staff are trained in CPR and basic first aid. In the event of a minor accident, basic first aid steps will be followed and an accident report will be written to notify the parents. In the event of a more serious accident, 911 and the parent will be called. The child with a staff member will be transported by ambulance to the proper emergency facility.

Medication
Written permission from you is required on DA Form 5225-R to have medication administered to your child.

The physician or parent must administer the first dosage of any medication. Children must be on an oral medication at least 24 hours before program personnel administer a dosage.

Medication must be:
   1. in the original container with a childproof cap.
   2. dated with the physician's name and instructions for use.
   3. labeled with the child's name, name of medication, and dosage strength.
   4. labeled with instructions that include amount of dosage, starting date and length of time the medication will be given (ending date).
   5. brought to the Center in a zip-lock bag with a proper measuring device (cup or syringe).
   6. approved by the Community Health Nurse in order to be administered. The approved list of medications is available at the front desk.
   7. labeled without PRN (as needed) instructions in order to be administered.

The Middle School and Teen participants will be allowed to keep and administer their own Asthma inhalers as prescribed by a physician proved a permission sheet has been signed by parent/guardian, CHN and Program Director. Staff responsible for documenting medication will use DA Form 5225-R. All other medication will be administered by staff and will be stored in a locked container.

For health related questions, please contact the Community Health Nurse at 410-278-1772.

Food and Nutrition
Aberdeen Proving Ground CYS participates in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Based on USDA nutritional guidelines all CYS programs provide meals that include full-strength juices, meats, fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods provide the highest nutritional value for your child's health.

In addition to the highest nutritional standards, the USDA CACFP provides financial support to our child care programs in the form of a partial food cost reimbursement based on the completion of your parent application and number of meals served.

Meals and Snacks
There are no separate charges for meals and snacks served in the CYS programs. Breakfast, lunch (during full-day care) and afternoon snack are served daily (see Program Director for times). All children are enrolled in the USDA Child Care Food Program. Children are served nutritious meals and snacks. Menus are posted in each program location. All sponsors are required to complete the Confidential Application for Free or Reduced Price Meals at the time of registration and annually.

No food is to be brought from home into any CYS program except for special events/activities. The only exception is baby formula and closed-jar infant food. Program staff may not mix formula brought from home. All bottles must be prepared in plastic bottles with lids and labeled with the child's name and date. Bottles must contain formula, milk, or 100% fruit juice. The parents must prepare a separate bottle for each feeding. The CDC will provide one brand of formula for infants aged six weeks through 12 months. If the parents choose to participate in the USDA Program, you must furnish a sufficient number of clean, ready-to-use bottles. The staff will pour formula into the bottles for that day. Parents who choose for their infants not to be on the program must have bottles furnished from home and all guidelines adhered to.

The SAS/MS/T and CDC programs will supply lunch on days when there is no school and during the summer program.

Please indicate on Form DA 5223-R and DA 4719-R any food alternatives, allergies, or special dietary needs of your child. A physician must complete an allergy form. The CYS program will make every effort to meet the special food needs of your child. If a good requirement cannot be supplied, the parents must supply the food alternative. The Center is not responsible for allergies not documented by a physician.

Birthday and Special Occasions
We recognize how special birthdays are to young children and their parents. We want to help you make this day special for your child. If you let your child's Program Lead know in advance, you can celebrate your child's birthday in the activity room/FCC home with his friends. Please obtain the Special Event Food Guideline from the Director/Assistant Director at least one week in advance. If a snack is not pre-approved, it will not be served. If you do not wish to provide a snack, you may want to send birthday napkins. They are festive and enjoyed by the children. No balloons or candles are permitted in any CYS program!