Problem
Choose from one of the following scenarios and provide a one page summary to the questions provided. Please include at least one reference of support (provide the citation) within your summary. This can be taken from your textbook or from an alternate, reliable source.
Scenario I
Steven, one of the two-year-olds, is listless and unhappy today. He is unable to participate in the program and needs to be held and comforted. When the director calls his mother, she asks that you take Steven's temperature. Because he does not have a fever, his mother refuses to pick him up early as the program's exclusion policy lists fever as the number one reason for exclusion.
i. How should the educators handle Steven's immediate situation?
ii. If Steven is staying at the program for an indefinite period of time, what measures can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission to other children?
iii. An hour later, Steven begins to have difficulty breathing. What are your options now?
iv. How can the program try and prevent these situations (i.e., parent refusing to pick up the child because of not having a fever) from happening in the future?
Scenario II
Three-year-old Laura arrived at the program with a runny nose and cough. Her mother informed the educators that it was probably just allergies and left for work. In addition to having a part-time job, Laura's mother is a student at the local community college and is parenting on her own. Shortly after Laura's mother left, the educators discovered that Laura feels warm to the touch and is complaining of a sore throat.
i. How should the educators and director handle Laura's immediate situation?
ii. If Laura is allowed to stay at the program, what measures can be taken to limit the risk of spreading illness to other children?
iii. If Laura is at the program two hours later, and she begins crying inconsolably, what are your options?
iv. How can the program help Laura's mother avoid similar situations in the future?