Reflective Narrative

CECE Standard of Practice: STANDARD III: Safe, Healthy and Supportive Learning Environments B. Healthy 1. Early Childhood Educators obtain and familiarize themselves with information concerning any relevant medical conditions, exceptionalities, allergies, food restrictions, medication requirements and emergency contact information relating to children under their professional supervision. This information is obtained and reviewed in a timely manner, when a child comes under the members professional supervision or as soon after that time as the information becomes available (College of ECE Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice, 2011). Artifact: Medical communications log This standard is important to ensure that all educators provide a safe, healthy and inclusive learning environment for all children. Educators should also be aware of relevant medical conditions, allergies, food restrictions, medical requirements and emergency contact information (College of ECE Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice, 2011). As ECEs, we know the importance of keeping all children healthy and safe in their learning environment (Morgan, K. Personal Communication). When children have certain exceptionalities regarding medical conditions, accommodations need to be made (e.g. drinking water throughout the day) to ensure their individual needs are met. ECEs must be aware of all medical circumstances of individual childrens needs. Being meticulous and aware of what children need and what makes them thrive, is an important part of an ECEs responsibilities. The medical communications log should also be communicated verbally within the classroom and school environment so that all children and educators are aware of the childs condition. Making others aware will insure the childs safety and well-being throughout the day. Written communications should be sent home informing families of the classroom environment allergies (e.g. food, scents, etc.). All allergy and pertinent medical information should be clearly

posted in the classroom in order to inform professionals and families who visit (Morgan, K. Personal Communication). In addition this documentation should be clearly recorded and kept in a confidential location in order to protect families confidentiality, but accessible to other professionals (Tuck, J. Personal Communication). This artifact was chosen because a written record and ongoing dialogue should be maintained with the parents informing on how the childs needs are being met throughout the day (Steger, T. Personal Communication). This interaction will also provide proof to the parents that we are following through with their requests. It is also important to include all children in the classroom environment and experiences regardless of the physical, developmental or medical conditions (.Chauvet, G. Personal Communication). I have learned to better familiarize myself with the medical concerns and needs of children and families concerning health and safety by talking to parents and reading childrens medical information. By learning from this experience we will be able to carry this knowledge through in our practice in order to apply it to any other children in need. The medical communications log will show families that we were able to maintain the routine required in order to meet the child and families specific needs, show that we are caring and responsive, and respect their need for confidentiality. The medical communications log also allows us to continue to show how our knowledge and growth is demonstrated through our actions in emergency situations. By following the specific requests of the family demonstrates that we as educators are vigilant in keeping the children in our care safe, healthy and able to participate in all aspects of our program. Our leadership skills are also revealed when we demonstrate that we have acquired the knowledge and have familiarized ourselves with the childs individual medical needs in order to meet the familys requirements.

This log should be carried with the child throughout the day, so other educators will be aware of the childs condition, and be able to access the log or to record any other incidents that may occur. A quick overview of recorded minor/major incidents should be hung in the classroom, visible for educators and colleagues.