HEALTH & SICK POLICIES
HEALTH
A completed Health Inventory and Emergency Form must be on file in accordance with the Baltimore County Health Department regulations before a child will be permitted to attend school.
Medical Needs & Action Plans
If a child has any type of allergy, an Allergy Action Plan must be on file in the Office. If a child has asthma, an Asthma Action Plan must be on file in the Office. A Medication Authorization Form should be on file if the child needs medicine during the school day. If at all possible, medication should be administered at home. All health forms can be found on the Forms Page.
Students previously enrolled at Timonium Nursery have medical forms on file. In this case, only updated information needs to be forwarded including new inoculations and other pertinent medical information.
Hearing and Speech Screening
Hearing and speech screening will be provided for three and four-year-olds. Parents will be asked to sign permission slips for both procedures. No child will be tested without a signed permission slip.
SICK CHILD POLICY
If your child has a cough or cold, runny nasal discharge or sore throat, has had a fever or has vomited within 24 hours prior to the start of the school day, parents are asked to keep the child at home. Likewise, if a child has any contagious illness, including but not limited to chicken pox, lice, or conjunctivitis, the child may not attend school. It is also imperative that a parent or their caregiver call the School Office or the teacher so that we may take the necessary precautions in the classroom.
FAQ
HOW DO YOU RECOMMEND THAT I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL?
There is no formal preparation needed. We encourage our three and four-year olds to be potty trained and working toward bathroom independence. While we don’t encourage personal possessions to be brought to school,during the first few weeks of school, if your child has a stuffed animal or blanket, feel free to add that to the backpack for a quick hug or squeeze during the day to smooth the transition.
WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY CHILD’S BACKPACK?
All children should have a spare set of clothing in their bag for emergencies. Please label all clothing with your child’s name. Personal possessions, such as toys and stuffed animals, often present difficulties for children in the classroom. Children become distraught when they are temporarily lost or damages. These are better left in the car or at home. Pacifiers and personal cups are to be left at home, as other children may pick them up, which can spread germs.
DO I NEED TO SEND MY CHILD TO SCHOOL WITH A SNACK?
Daily snacks are provided by the school. We offer healthy snacks such as pretzels, graham crackers, vanilla water and other low sugar cookies and crackers served with milk or water. Parents are requested to provide daily snack only if your child has allergies or other dietary restrictions. Parents may bring snacks for holiday parties and birthdays.
WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS FOOD ALLERGIES?
We strive to be a peanut-free school. If your child has an allergy, it is your responsibility to notify the school and to provide a list of appropriate and inappropriate foods. Parents must fill out an Allergy Action Plan and Medication Authorization Form (for Epi-Pen, Benadryl, etc.). Teachers will notify the classroom parents of any allergies to be aware of for celebrating birthdays and holidays in the classroom.
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR TO SCHOOL?
Please send your child with warm clothing in cold weather (hats, mittens, winter coat), as we go outside for twenty minutes most every day. Because clothing with drawstrings presents a danger during outdoor play, we discourage its use. Children should come to school dressed for play. Pants and shorts are safest and the most comfortable for climbing, running, etc. Tennis shoes or rubber soled shoes are suggested. Please save good or dressy clothes for parties and special occasions.
DO YOU TAKE ANY FIELD TRIPS?
Our two, three and four year olds experience several in-house field trips throughout the year (fire fighters, dentist, animal visits). In addition, our three-year olds take a fall trip (pumpkin patch) and a spring trip (Nature Center). Our four-year olds take a fall trip (working farm) and a spring trip (zoo). A parent must chaperone each child on field trips during which we leave the school. Parents must provide transportation for themselves and their child, except for the four-year old trip to the Zoo, where children may ride a school bus.
WHERE DO I DROP OFF AND PICK UP MY CHILD?
Please park in the lower parking lot and escort your child into the building. The classroom doors open at 8:55 a.m. (9:05 a.m. for two year olds), at which time you will sign your child “in” for the day. At dismissal, pick up your child in the dismissal room or the classroom as designated by the teacher, and sign them “out.” Only people listed on the Emergency form may pick up your child. If someone other than those listed on the Emergency Form is to pick up your child, you must leave a written note with the teacher in the morning. Children will not be released without such notes. Our school is kept locked. Parents will be issued a key card ($10 deposit per card) to enter the building at any time. Please do not share the card with outsiders and be cautious about allowing a stranger into the building with you.