AP 772: Medical - Illness
Health & Safety
Background
Staff are expected to act with the same level of care and concern, for students who are ill, as would be expected of a reasonable parent, under similar circumstances. This standard of reasonableness involves ensuring the safety, well-being, and appropriate development of students, considering the age, maturity, and individual needs of each student.
Procedures
Staff members shall attend to the following procedures in instances when a child informs a member of staff that they feel unwell.
1. Staff shall first verify that there are no known conditions or medical implications for the child and proceed accordingly if there are known conditions or medical implications.
1.1. Staff should consider any specific, relevant information regarding students on an Individual Care Plan as it may pertain to illness.
2. Staff shall conduct a preliminary check to rule out any common reasons for illness, including:
2.1. That the child is warm/cool enough;
2.2. That the child is hydrated; or
2.3. That nothing is particularly worrying to the child.
3. Based on the symptoms presented, the staff member shall decide whether to check with a certified first-aid member of staff.
4. Based on the symptoms presented, the staff member shall decide whether a call to parents/guardians is required:
4.1. Especially with respect to younger children, a call home is always preferable;
4.2. If a call is required, the staff member can inform the office to make the call home;
4.3. If no call is required, then the staff member shall continue to monitor the child in class, or
4.4. An ill student, who is out-of-class, but still within the school, shall be monitored by school administration, or designate, in the school’s first aid area.
5. Parents or guardians shall arrange to immediately pick up any child who presents with diarrhea or vomiting.
5.1. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, then applicable emergency contacts (as provided) shall be contacted; and
5.2. The child shall be provided as much comfort as possible until they are collected.
6. Parents or guardians are asked to monitor the child for 24 hours and seek medical advice to determine if the child is infectious or contagious.
6.1. Received medical advice shall be shared with the school by the parent where prudent to do so.
7. The principal or designate shall contact, and refer to advice provided by Alberta Health Services If a noticeable disease is suspected or reported by a staff member or parent.
7.1. The Principal or designate shall inform an Area Superintendent of a suspected communicable illness as prudent to do so. Please refer to Administrative Procedure 778 – Medical – Communicable Diseases.
8. Schools shall display information, where possible, that provides greater clarity for students, staff, and parents regarding whether or not a student or staff member’s illness should prevent attendance at school.
Approved:
