Chapter Nine:Chapter Nine:Tools for Promoting Tools for Promoting

Good Health in ChildrenGood Health in Children

Health PoliciesHealth Policies

For appraisals, screening, and assessment Definitions

Appraisals = regular process of evaluation

Screening = to select or evaluate through a particular process

Assessment = in-depth appraisal to determine if a particular health or development condition exists

Important for observing, recording, and evaluating health Early intervention to prevent

problems and lessen impact

Child caregiver is the primary health assessor Daily contact Communicates with parent Participant observer

Policies needed for Record keeping Assessing a child’s health

Recording Health Status Recording Health Status of Childrenof Children

Observation = primary means of data collection

Record keeping management tools Precise words Type of records Child care situation

Precise Words Describe using adjectives that clearly

explain what was observed Mary has a rash. (Not precise) Mary has a red, bumpy rash on her trunk

and forearms that appears to be oozing. (Precise)

Types of Records Anecdotal Running record Checklist Time sampling Event sampling

Child Care Situation Child care center Family child care In-home/Nanny care

Assessing a Child’s Assessing a Child’s Health StatusHealth Status

Daily quick health check General health appraisal Screening for growth and development

norms Mental health appraisal Nutritional assessment

Daily Quick Health Check Observe for

Severe coughing, sneezing Activity level Discharge from nose, eyes, and ears Breathing difficulties Sores Look, Listen Swelling or bruising Feel, Smell Unusual spots or rashes General mood/unusual behavior Skin color

General Health AppraisalGeneral Health Appraisal

Used when warning signs of illness or health observed

Frequently recurring conditions Seek the parent’s permission to contact

health consultant Child may be referred to physician

Screening for Growth and Screening for Growth and Developmental NormsDevelopmental Norms

Weight and Height (failure to thrive) Motor development (gross and fine

motor skills) Vision Hearing Speech and language Mental health (At-risk indicators) Nutritional intake and deficiencies

Implications for CaregiversImplications for Caregivers

Observation What

Cultural differences Is child at risk? Does child have special needs? Is there recent event that may affect

behavior?

How Scientist = observe Garbage collector = sort out feelings

from data Artist = use observation to take action

and support the development and interests of child

How also includes Look, listen, feel, and smell

When Quick check = daily at beginning Ongoing Monthly, quarterly, yearly

Education Share information with parents Caregiver has base of knowledge Use health consultant Referrals as necessary

Cultural Competence Remember ESL may affect child’s

norm Check for native language

Any discussion should be sensitive Dietary patterns are different

Seek knowledge of customs

Supervision = carry out record keeping and assessments regularly

Establish communication system

Number One environmental threat 5% of all children have levels that can cause

cognitive deficiencies African American and inner city children

most likely to be affected One in 6 children under the age of 6 years

had lead poisoning Inner cities - may be 1 of 2 children affected

Reality Check:Reality Check:Effects of Lead PoisoningEffects of Lead Poisoning

Effects Mild to severe affects to

Nervous system, brain, growth Cognitive deficits = inability to

concentrate or learn 6 times more likely to have reading

disabilities

Lead Poisoning knows no bounds 74% of houses built before 1980 have

lead based paint Paint chips and dust are culprits

Children put things in their mouths Play in dirt Window seals

Absorbed into bloodstream Caregivers should

Provide diet that is rich with iron and calcium

Use frequent hand washing Wash toys, floors, fruits, and veggies

4.1 million children under six years live in poverty

Almost 60% of single parent families with children live in poverty

Largest growing segment of homeless = families with children (1 in 3)

Reality Check:Reality Check:Poverty and ChildhoodPoverty and Childhood

Poverty Can Result inPoverty Can Result in

Poor health Decrease in blood iron levels—more dental,

and vision problems, Increase in lead levels—more frequent,

more severe and longer lasting infectious diseases, emergency medical treatment, emotional and behavioral problems, more likely exposure to drug/alcohol abuse

Lack of safety Unsafe housing, unsafe neighborhoods, lead

exposure

Poor nutrition Basic needs may not be met, inadequate

nutrition

Effects of poor nutrition School performance Relationship of poor motor/mental

development and anemia School nutrition program supplements =

positive effects

Also contributes to emotional and behavioral problems

Caregivers can have a profound effect Provide safe environment that

screens for nutritional and health problems

Help families access resources Offer emotional stability