WELCOME TO SUMMER CAMP!

Greater Somerset County YMCA is the area’s largest child care provider – serving over 1,000 children year-round through our Early Education, School Age Child Care, and Summer Camp programs. When families entrust children to the Y, we strive to fulfill our promise to make each day an opportunity for every child to learn, grow, and thrive.

We look forward to the upcoming summer to make new friends and see all of the familiar, returning campers.

At the Y, our cause is strengthening community. We do so by focusing our efforts on youth development, improving healthy living for all and fostering social responsibility to create positive social change.

The Y day camp program is committed to providing a quality summer experience for your child. Summer camp provides many benefits such as the opportunity for growth in spirit, mind and body, increased confidence, emphasis on fun, teamwork, physical learning and social development, the opportunity to strengthen friendships, and the ability to learn through play.

Children leave the Y day camp with more than just fond memories. The children take with them leadership skills that will prove to be useful into adulthood. The Y counselors take the time to listen and make every child feel special.

Please read on for more information on how to prepare your child for camp.

OUR MISSION

Greater Somerset County YMCA is a nonprofit community benefit organization, rooted in Christian values and dedicated to helping all people grow in spirit, mind and body. We are guided by our core principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

The Y is made up of diverse people working side by side to strengthen our communities. Together, we work to ensure everyone, regardless of income, faith, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, cultural background or other unique personal characteristics, has the opportunity to live life to its fullest. We share the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility – which are the foundation for everything we do.

DAY CAMP OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the YMCA day camp is to help children grow spiritually, mentally and physically. We achieve this by providing challenging activities in both small and large group settings. Greater Somerset County YMCA day camp gives children an experience that can last a lifetime. This experience is grounded in seven objectives that define all the Y programs. They are to:

Grow personally
Learn values
Improve personal and family relationships
Become better leaders and supporters
Appreciate diversity
Develop specific skills
Have fun!

YMCA CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

At the Y we strengthen community by focusing our efforts on developing youth, improving healthy living for all and fostering social responsibility to create positive and lasting personal and social change. YMCA day camp provides priceless opportunities to promote and help instill the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We provide staff role models and activities that are conducive to positive character development.

DAY CAMP STAFF

Staff are carefully chosen to provide the highest quality day camp experience. In accordance with State Licensing and our ACA Accreditation, staff go through training including First Aid, CPR, Behavior Management, and Camp Policies and Procedures. Also our staff are trained in Trauma Informed Care, Child Abuse Prevention, Fostering Welcoming Environments for LGBTQ+ Campers, Implicit Bias/Dimensions of Diversity, and COVID-19 trainings All staff have been background checked and have agreed to Greater Somerset County YMCA’s Code of Conduct, which can be found on our website gscymca.org

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

These payments will be made through our online system and require the use of a credit card. This credit card will be kept on file and used to draft the camp balances automatically on the aforementioned due dates. For other payment arrangements, please contact the camp director to discuss.

DEPOSITS

Camp Registration is done in week by week segments, register for as much or as little as you would like. All camp offerings are 5 days per week. Partial week options are not available.

A $50 deposit is required upon registration for each camp session that you choose.
A $25 per week/per child late fee will be assessed on all late payments.
In addition, a surcharge of $25 will be added on all returned checks. Two returned checks will require that future payments be money order or cash.

PAYMENTS

Parents/Guardians must have their preferred billing method on ﬁle before the start of the program. If a change is needed please email the Director with the new preferred billing method. Parents/Guardians can do this by entering the information directly into their account by accessing our website, see instructions below.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTERING ONLINE BILLING METHOD

Visit gscymca.org/register
If you have an account, select the “Login” tab. Enter your email or phone number, and password, then click “Login”.
- If you do not have an account, select the “Sign Up” tab and follow instructions.
Once logged-in, click “My Account” > “View Account” then scroll down to “Membership Billing Info” and click “Add Payment Method”.
Select “Credit Card” or “Bank Account EFT”.
Enter the requested information based on the payment type selected then click “Submit”.

If you wish to change your existing method of payment on ﬁle you may do so by following steps 1-3 and then you must notify in writing the Director of this change so that they may link the appropriate payment option to your child care account.

Our Tax I.D. # is 22-1559439

Billing contact information can be found in the branch-specific Summer Camp Handbook Addendums below:

If families have more than one payment method that will be used for monthly tuition, please contact the Director to enter the second form of payment and allocate the correct amount of money from each account.

If the child/family is eligible for a third-party subsidy or ﬁnancial assistance, the parent/guardian is responsible for proper documentation of attendance as well as all fees not covered or paid by the third-party subsidy/ﬁnancial assistance.

REFUNDS

Prior to May 1st: A full refund will be given for any cancellations.
After May 1st: There will be no refund of the $50 deposit. A refund of a camp balance that has been paid will only be given if your child’s spot can be filled by another child.*

* The only exception to the refund policy is for a cancellation due to a medical reason that has been documented by a doctor.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE & SUBSIDIES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. At Greater Somerset County YMCA, we believe that everyone — no matter who they are or where they’re from — deserves the opportunity and the resources necessary to reach their full potential. We provide direct financial assistance to our neighbors in need — made possible through the generosity of our Y’s Annual Campaign donors and proceeds from special fundraising events. The Y’s Financial Assistance program is available to anyone who meets the financial guidelines of the program, lives or works in our service area and has the desire to participate in YMCA programs or services. Families interested in applying for financial assistance are encouraged to download a financial assistance application online at gscymca.org/fa. For confidential assistance, please contact the Y’s Financial Assistance Committee at [email protected]. Financial assistance is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Please apply early for priority giving. If you would like to make a donation to our Annual Campaign, please contact your Camp Director for assistance.

THIRD PARTY SUBSIDIES

Child Care Connection (CCC)

If the child/family is eligible for a third party subsidy through Child Care Connection (CCC) for school age child care and/or summer camp, parent/guardian is responsible for providing documentation of subsidy daily rate or denial letter. Information can be found at childcareconnection-nj.org

Community Child Care Solutions (CCCS)

If the child/family is eligible for a third party subsidy through Community Child Care Solutions (CCCS) for school age child care and/or summer camp, parent/guardian is responsible for providing documentation of subsidy daily rate or denial letter. Information can be found at communitychildcaresolutions.org

Community Coordinated Child Care (CCCC)

If the child/family is eligible for a third party subsidy through Community Coordinated Child Care (CCCC) for school age child care and/or summer camp, parent/guardian is responsible for providing documentation of subsidy daily rate or denial letter. Information can be found at ccccunion.org

IMPORTANT: Any applicants who wish to receive Financial Assistance for child care programs will be asked to apply for a third party subsidy prior to registering.

QUESTIONS? Please email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

ABSENCES

In the event your child is sick or away on vacation, please notify the Director. Credit or make up for days missed due to illness, vacation, inclement weather, or holidays cannot be given.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

In order to ensure we are continually meeting the needs of the children and families, we will ask parents to provide feedback regarding our program. Feedback request forms will be emailed.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLOTHING

Please send your child to camp in comfortable, ‘play’ clothing. Children will be doing arts and crafts and playing sports so clothes may get soiled. Children should not wear clothing that will restrict activity. We are a very active camp, so sneakers are required for all camps. No heels, sandals, flip flops or crocs please! Please label all clothing.

WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP

In order for your child to have a safe, fun experience, we ask you to help them prepare for their camp day. There are a few things we request you send your child with each day:

Labeled Backpack
- A backpack is the best way to keep track of your child’s belongings. Please label your child’s backpack. Many bags may look alike. Never send your child with more belongings than what fits into the backpack. Please leave valuable attachments at home. These items sometimes fall off and are lost. We are not responsible for these items.
Labeled Food For Your Child
- Water Bottle(s) – Freezing water bottles helps keep lunches cold, and also provides children with cold drinking water later in the day. We will provide opportunities all day for refills.
- AM Snack
- Lunch – Please do not send food that needs to be refrigerated, reheated, or glass containers. Please include an ice pack with your child’s lunch. Refrigeration is not provided, so please do not send perishable items. We will also be unable to heat food.
  A goal of the Y is to promote good nutrition for children. Please keep that in mind as you pack your child’s lunch for camp.
- PM Snack
Labeled Sunscreen (We recommend a waterproof, SPF 30+ lotion)
Bug Repellent (optional)
Cap (optional)
Jacket or Sweater for cooler morning hours (optional)
Rain jacket on rainy days (optional)
Refillable water bottle
Change of clothes
Swim Gear (goggles, towels, swim suits, etc.)

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

Please encourage children to leave their toys, games, etc. at home as they are NOT allowed to use them at any time during the camp day. These include such items as:

Candy/Gum
Toys from Home – including stuffed animals and plush toys
Electronics- Nintendo Switch, Video Games, Tablets, Cell Phones, any electronic devices, etc.
Money/Valuables

If your child brings such items to camp, the Y and its staff will not be held responsible for lost, stolen or broken items.

Campers will be given a warning to put it away if staff sees any of these items. If the camper cannot listen to directions and keep these items away in their backpacks, staff will take these items for the day and return them to the parent at pick up.

Please do not send money with your child to camp. Children may not use the vending machines during camp.

FIRST DAY

COUNSELORS:

On the first day of each camp session, the campers are assigned to counselors upon check-in. We appreciate your patience with the process so that we can ensure each child is properly placed.

CAMP T-SHIRTS:

Each child will receive one free t-shirt for the entire summer camp
Children will be instructed if they need to wear their camp shirts for any special events.
All children must wear their camp shirts when participating in a camp trip.

WEATHER POLICIES

The Y summer day camps are outdoor-based programs. To ensure every child can fully participate in all outdoor and indoor activities, campers, parents and staff must work together to make sure a great time is had in all types of weather.

Hot Weather

Sunscreen – We will be outside! Please apply before arriving to camp so we’re able to start our camp day right away. Please send your child with a labeled sunscreen and we will remind your child to reapply throughout the day to appropriately protect against the sun’s rays. Due to the nature of sunscreen allergies, children are not allowed to share sunscreen and the Y staff will not provide or apply sunscreen. We recommend a waterproof, SPF 30+ lotion.
In the case of extreme heat, we will make reasonable accommodations for the safety of all campers. These include coming inside the building, extra emphasis on staying hydrated, making use of camps shaded spots, playing water games, and more.

Thunder/Lightning

In the case of thunder/lightning, we will make accommodations for campers to be inside.

PARENT INFORMATION

When you entrust the care of your child to our Y day camp programs, please do so knowing that all staff members have been trained to prepare for a safe and fun summer. We will focus on the four core values of Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty, utilize all teachable moments, keep camp a positive environment, and do our best to make sure your child feels a part of the group.

DAILY PROCEDURES

Each day, please consult email communications. This is the most efficient way for the camp to disseminate information to parents. Any changes in schedule, important information or interesting opportunities will be found there.

BEHAVIOR

It is the Y’s goal to provide a safe, secure and healthy environment for all children who attend the summer day camp program. At Y camp, children are encouraged to exhibit behavior guided by the four core values, to include:

Respecting all campers and counselors
Taking responsibility for one’s own actions and belongings
Using honesty as the basis for all relationships and interactions
Caring for ourselves, others, and the spaces we use

Any issues your child is having outside of camp may affect their behavior at the YMCA. Please keep the staff informed of any issues so we can be sensitive to your child’s needs. The Y would like to work as a team with your family. This will enable us to provide the best environment for your child’s growth and development.

Our first step is being proactive in our approach towards behavior management. We take action steps before a situation occurs. The more we know about a child, the easier it will be for us to be able to take this step. We also use positive reinforcement by consistently acknowledging good behavior.

We never use corporal punishment. The Y staff is committed to providing a program in which all children can succeed. In the event that a child’s negative behavior cannot be improved through discussion between leader and child, the following steps will be taken:

Staff will inform the parent of the behavior and seek additional suggestions on how to handle the child’s behavior.
If the behavior continues, the parents will be asked to come to the Y and meet the staff to work out a plan to resolve the situation.
We are sensitive to the fact that each situation is delicate to its own circumstances. Appropriate and respectful interactions with program participants and Y staff are essential to having a successful experience.

If behavior becomes unmanageable or is threatening to the well-being of others, Greater Somerset County YMCA reserves the right to cancel the child’s participation in the camp program. If we must cancel a child’s participation, we will refund the balance of the unused camp payment.

MEDICATIONS

All medications must be hand delivered to the director and a medical permission form must be filled out with complete written instructions for administering it, including exact dosage and time to be administered.
All medication must be in its original container; this applies prescriptions and non-prescriptions, and must include the dosage amount for the camper for that week.
All medications are stored in a locked container in the camp office. Only the director or designated assistant will administer medication.
Emergency medication such as epi-pens or inhalers will stay with your child during their time at camp. These medications will stay in the possession of the staff members responsible for their group in case of a medical emergency. At the end of the day, these medications will be stored overnight in the locked container in the camp office.
Medications will be returned at the end of your child’s time at camp.

MEDICAL AND EMERGENCY FORMS

In order to participate in the camp program, each child enrolled must have completed forms for emergency contacts and medical information such as allergies or medications that may need to be administered. The health records and emergency contacts are important to our staffs’ ability to appropriately care for your child. Approximately one month prior to the beginning of camp you will receive an email for you to complete and provide the Y with a health record for your child. Before each camp session, you will be notified if any important information is missing. Please be sure that a valid email address is part of your child’s membership record so that you receive important emails and updates about the camp program – you can call your Branch’s Welcome Center or stop by to update your records.

CAMPERS WITH DIVERSE ABILITIES

Parents/guardians of campers with diverse abilities that require medication or other accommodations are asked to inform the Camp Director of their child’s needs before registering for camp to ensure that the Y is capable and prepared to best serve them. Accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis, as each camper and each camp program/week is different. The Y will provide reasonable accommodations based on a camper’s needs as long as the accommodation does not pose an undue burden on or fundamentally alter the program. If disclosure of a camper’s previously unknown need for accommodations has occurred after registration, the Camp Director shall meet with the parent/guardian within one week to understand the child’s needs and determine if the Y is able to successfully meet them.

DAILY HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Your child’s basic health status will be observed daily. This is a general health observation, which is informal. If your child appears to be showing signs of illness (temperature, swollen glands, or sore throat, etc.) the parent will be called to pick up the child. Please do not bring sick children to camp. Children need to be well enough to participate in all activities offered. It is imperative that the parents or designated alternate be accessible by phone.

PICK-UP POLICY

In an effort to continually improve the safety and security of our YMCA, we utilize a system called Raptor which instantly screens visitors against registered sex offender databases in all 50 states. This is in addition to sex offender screenings the Y regularly conducts on all members, participants, and staff. To help protect the children in our care, we require the name and date of birth of all individuals authorized to pick up a child from our camp program in order to run a check prior to pick-up. All authorized pick-ups must present a state or government issued photo ID every time when picking up a child.

CHILD ABUSE REPORTING PROCEDURES

In the event that there is an accusation of child abuse, the YMCA will take prompt and immediate action. The YMCA will make a report in accordance with relevant state or local child abuse reporting requirements, and will cooperate to the extent of the law with any legal authority involved.

YOUR COMMENTS

We look forward to providing your child with the highest quality day camp experience. Your comments and suggestions are important to us, as we work to exceed your expectations. Please contact the day camp director at any time to share your feedback.

CHILD CARE PROGRAM POLICIES & PROCEDURES

SUPERVISION OF PARTICIPANTS

In order to protect YMCA staff, volunteers, and program participants, at no time during a YMCA program may a staff member be alone with a single child where they cannot be observed and/or interrupted by others. All children who are registered into programs should be supervised by YMCA staff at all times. This includes bathrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas.

TREATMENT OF CHILDREN

Staff/volunteers shall not abuse or allow children to be abused. This may include, but not be limited to abuses such as:

Physical abuse – striking, hitting, shaking, grabbing
Emotional abuse – humiliating/shaming, bullying, threatening, harsh or improper language
Sexual abuse – inappropriate touch, exposing, exploitation, improper verbal exchange
Neglect – withholding/forcing food, clothing or shelter, basic care

ONE-TO-ONE/BEING ALONE WITH CHILDREN POLICY

Staff members should never have direct care of a single child. If a staff member becomes alone with a child, she/he should promptly move to a location where she/he can be observed by other YMCA staff members.

One-to-One/Being Alone With Children Procedure

Staff members are not to have children enter closets or storage areas to retrieve equipment.

Volunteers will never be alone with children or supervise children. As staff supervise children, they should space themselves in a way that other staff can see them.
Children should always be within sight and sound of a staff member.
The “rule of three” specifies that there should always be at least three people present, i.e. one employee and two children or two employees and one child. A volunteer may be included in the “rule of three” when it includes an employee with 1 child.
Should a staff member find him/herself unintentionally in a one-to-one situation with a child, she/he will document the encounter in a logbook, recording the time, date, location, and other outstanding details of the situation.

HUGGING & TOUCHING OF CHILDREN POLICY

Appropriate physical contact is important in the emotional development of all children, and children at different developmental levels will need differing degrees of physical contact. Staff will respect children’s rights to not be touched in ways that make them feel uncomfortable, and their right to say no.

Hugging & Touching of Children Procedure

Staff members should not perform frontal hugs of children – hugs should be from the side.
Staff should get down to the child’s physical level when possible.
Staff should not touch children in any body location that would be covered by a bathing suit.
Staff members should not pick up school-aged children.
School-aged children should not be allowed to sit on staff laps.
Staff will always have hands visible as much as possible.
Staff should refrain from kissing or showing intimate displays of affection.
Tickling, horseplay or roughhousing are prohibited.
Staff should not place themselves in a situation where someone may misjudge their actions.

RELEASE OF CHILDREN POLICY

At the time of enrollment, parents/guardians will be required to complete our pick-up form which asks for the names and dates of birth of all individuals who will be authorized to pick up their child.

Authorized pick-ups must present a government-issued photo ID to School Age Child Care staff at each pick-up before signing out the child to verify identity and pick-up authorization. If a government-issued photo ID is not presented at pick-up, the child will not be released until the pick-up’s identity is verified.

Children will only be released to the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s).

If an individual comes to pick up a child and the person is NOT on the pick-up list, then the staff member must contact the parent to ensure that this is an acceptable arrangement. The parent will then be asked to provide the After Care Director with the person’s information and give written consent for the child to be released to this individual. No child will be released without written authorization to do so.

If there is a situation where a non-custodial parent has been denied access, or granted limited access, to the child by a court order, the Center shall secure documentation to this effect, maintain a copy on fi le, and comply with the terms of the court order.

If the parent(s)/guardian(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s) fails to pick up the child at the time of the Center’s daily closing, the staff members shall ensure that the child is supervised at all times. The staff members shall contact the parents as to their whereabouts. If there is no response from the parents or any of the authorized pick-ups, and the Director is not on site, then the staff member should contact the Director and make him/her aware of the situation with the child.

If after an hour or more past closing time, and provided that other arrangements for releasing the child to his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) or authorized person(s) have failed and the staff members cannot continue to supervise the child at the Center, the staff members shall call the Department’s State Central Registry Hotline at (877) 652-2873 to seek assistance in caring for the child until the parent(s)/guardian(s) or person(s) authorized by the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) is able to pick up the child.

If the parent(s)/guardian(s) or person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s) appear to be physically and/or emotionally impaired to the extent that, in the judgment of the director and/or staff member, the child would be placed at risk of harm if released to such an individual, then the staff members shall not release the child to such an impaired individual. The staff members should first attempt to contact the child’s other parent/guardian or an alternative person(s) authorized by the parent(s)/guardian(s). If the staff members are unable to make alternative arrangements, a staff member shall call the Department’s State Central Registry Hotline at (877) 652-2873 to seek assistance in caring for the child.

Custody Letter

All children from separated or divorced homes must have a letter and/or court order on ﬁle stating who has primary custody. This protects the child and is now a state requirement. Please submit this letter or a copy of the custody paper as soon as possible.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures

Important site-specific drop-off and/or pick-up procedures can be found in the Summer Camp Handbook Addendums below:

OUTSIDE CONTACT POLICY

Staff and volunteers will refrain from any interactions outside of program activities with children under eighteen years of age that are participants in programs of the YMCA.

DATING POLICY

Staff 18 years of age and older may not date staff/volunteers, program participants or members under the age of 18.

PARENT COMMUNICATION POLICY

We are committed to creating an open and honest line of communication between our camp program and our parents. This exchange of information will enable us to provide a comprehensive program for your child.

Communication regarding your child’s development and behavior will be through the camp staff and/or Director in the form of in-person conversation and phone calls.

Newsletters, text messages, and email correspondence will also be used to inform you of the program’s daily operations.

In the event of an illness or emergency related situation, we will reach out to you first via telephone with an email back up if necessary. It is imperative that we have accurate contact information from all families.

Contact Us

Open communication is encouraged between parents/guardians and camp staff. Our contact information can be found in the branch-specific Summer Camp Handbook Addendums below:

TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Greater Somerset County YMCA takes very seriously its obligation to protect children. Y employees should not have contact or communication with minors (under age 18) who participate in Greater Somerset County YMCA programs outside of Greater Somerset County YMCA work time. With today’s electronic communication options (email, text messages, blogging, and social networking sites) it is more important than ever that all employees understand Greater Somerset County YMCA’s policy on such contact or communication in order to protect youth and employees. For purposes of this policy, a “youth” is anyone under eighteen (18) years of age who participates in Greater Somerset County YMCA programs/membership or whom a Y employee has met through Greater Somerset County YMCA programs/membership.

Employees should not initiate personal phone calls with or receive personal phone calls from a youth. A call is considered “personal” if it does not involve both a Greater Somerset County YMCA phone and Y-speciﬁc subject matter. When employees receive calls from youth on non-Greater Somerset County YMCA phones and/or regarding a non-Y subject, this must be immediately reported to a supervisor.
Text messaging with youth is not permitted. If an employee receives a text message from a youth, a supervisor must immediately be made aware.
Employees must not share any personal email addresses or electronic id names or nicknames with youth.
Employees should not initiate or respond to email or instant messages from youth while using any personal (non-Y) connection to the Internet.
Use of social networking sites to communicate with youth is only permitted if done through a YMCA sponsored or approved site. No personal blog or social networking site should be used. Any website or blog maintained by an employee should not have pictures of or make reference to any youth, and employees should not request or accept to be linked as “friends” or connections with youth via social networking sites.
Communication between employees and youth should only be through Greater Somerset County YMCA email accounts and phones during the course of business and any such communication with youth should be immediately reported to the employee’s supervisor.
Parents/Guardians and staff are prohibited from posting videos or photographs of children other than their own on any social media platform.
Our use of television, computers and videos will be for educational and instructional use only. These devices will be utilized in a developmentally appropriate manner and not used as a substitute for planned activities. Viewing will be limited to children over the age of 2 for not more than 30 minutes per day.

HEALTH POLICIES

GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION

The YMCA has a responsibility to ensure that daily health is optimal for the growth and development of the children. If an issue is suspected, parents are contacted to discuss the concern.

ALLERGIES

As part of your child’s Medical History/Medical Release Form we ask about any allergies your child may have. In addition to documenting allergies on your child’s form, we ask that you speak with the staff members regarding any allergies so that we may effectively provide for your child’s safety and well-being. If your child requires medication for allergies, please see the Director for the appropriate forms.

ILLNESS POLICY

As per the New Jersey Manual of Requirements of Child Care Centers, we are not permitted to allow children to attend the Center who exhibit the following signs of illness:

Severe pain or discomfort;
Acute diarrhea, characterized as twice the child’s usual frequency of bowel movements with a change to looser consistency within a period of 24 hours, or bloody diarrhea;
Two or more episodes of acute vomiting within a period of 24 hours;
Elevated oral temperature of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or over in conjunction with behavior changes;
Lethargy that is more than expected tiredness;
Yellow eyes or jaundiced skin
Red eyes with discharge;
Infected, untreated skin patches
Difficult rapid breathing or severe coughing;
Skin rashes in conjunction with fever or behavior changes;
Weeping or bleeding skin lesions that have not been treated be a health care provider;
Mouth sores with drooling; or
Stiff neck.

A child will be also excluded from the Center if they display one of the following communicable diseases. The following list contains the various communicable diseases and our responsibility as a Child Care Center for reporting these illnesses:

CONFIRMED OR SUSPECT CASES TELEPHONE IMMEDIATELY TO THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Anthrax
Botulism
Brucellosis
Diphtheria
Foodbourne intoxications (including, but not limited to, ciguatera, paralytic shellfish poisoning, scombroid, or mushroom poisoning)
Haemophilus influenzae, invasive disease
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome
Hepatitis A, acute
Influenza, novel strains only
Measles
Meningococcal invasive disease
Outbreak of suspected outbreak of illness, including, but not limited to, foodbourne, waterborne, or nosocomial disease or a suspected act of bioterrorism
Pertussis
Plague
Poliomyelitis
Rabies (human illness)
Rubella
SARS-CoV disease (SARS)
Smallpox
Tularemia
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (including, but not limited to, Ebola, Lassa, and Marburg viruses)

REPORTABLE WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DIAGNOSIS TO THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Amoebiasis
Animal bites treated for rabies
Arboviral diseases
Babesiosis
Campylobacteriosis
Cholera
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
Cryptosporidiosis
Cyclosporiasis
Diarrheal disease (child in day care center or food handler)
Ehrlichiosis
Escherichia coli, shiga toxin producing strains (STEC) only
Giardiasis
Hansen’s disease
Hemolytic uremic syndrome, post-diarrheal
Hepatitis B, including newly diagnosed acute, perinatal and chronic infections, and pregnant women who tested positive for Hep B surface antigen
Influenza-associated pediatric mortality
Legionellosis
Listeriosis
Lyme disease
Malaria
Mumps
Psittacosis
Q fever
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rubella, congenital syndrome
Salmonellosis
Shigellosis
Staphylococcus aureus, with intermediate-level resistance (VISA) or high-level resistance (VRSA) to vancomycin only
Streptococcal disease, invasive group A
Streptococcal disease, invasive group B, neonatal
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Streptococcus pneumoniae, invasive disease
Tetanus
Toxic shock syndrome (other than Streptococcal)
Trichinellosis
Typhoid fever
Varicella (chicken pox)
Vibriosis
Viral encephalitis
Yellow fever
Yersiniosis

REPORTABLE DIRECTLY TO THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

Hepatitis C, acute and chronic, newly diagnosed cases only

Written report within 24 hours

HIV/AIDS

609 984 5940 or 973 648 7500
Written report within 24 hours
AIDS
HIV infection
Child exposed to HIV perinatally

Sexually transmitted diseases

609-826-4869
Report within 24 hours
Chancroid
Chlamydia, including neonatal conjunctivitis
Gonorrhea
Granuloma inguinale
Lymphogranuloma venereum
Syphilis, all stages and congenital

Tuberculosis (conﬁrmed or suspected cases)

609 826 4878
Written report within 24 hours

Once the child is symptom-free, or a physician indicates that the child poses no serious health risk to himself or other children, the child may return to the Center.

There are a couple of common illnesses children contract that require more specifics in terms of the policies in handling these illnesses. These illnesses are as follows:

Vomiting: If a child vomits during the day, parents will be called to pick up the child. Child will be allowed to return to the Center once they are symptom free for a 24 hour period.

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis: If it is believed that a child has contracted this, parents will be called to pick up the child. The child must be taken to the physician for a definitive diagnosis. If the child has a confirmed case of contagious conjunctivitis he/she must receive 3 doses of the medication before returning to the Center.

Diarrhea: If a child has 2 or more episodes of loose, watery bowels parents will be contacted to pick up the child. Children may return to the Center after the diarrhea has ceased and stool frequency becomes less than 2 stools above normal frequency. If the diarrhea is the result of a food allergy or drug side effect, we would not be concerned that this is some type of intestinal virus. For example the medication Augmentin, commonly used for the treatment of ear infections, can cause diarrhea. If a child has diarrhea as a result of this medication, he/she will not be excluded from the Center.

Fever: If a child has an axillary temperature of 100.5° F or higher parents will be contacted to pick up the child. Children must be fever free for 24 hours without the use of a fever reducing medication before they may return to the Center. A fever is generally a sign that some form of infection exists and we do not want these infections to pass from child to child. The only exceptions to this rule would be as follows: A child who has an ear infection may in fact have a fever that accompanies this. If the child has been seen by his/her physician and is diagnosed with an ear infection, the medication as well as Tylenol/Advil for the pain and/or fever can be administered, as the ear infection is not a communicable illness. Secondly, if a child sees a physician for a fever and the physician says the child poses no health risk to others, then he/she may return to the Center. There must be a doctor’s note stating that they may return.

Rashes: These are common occurrences among young children and can have a wide range of etiologies. If a child develops a rash while at the Center it will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The Director, in consultation with medical professionals, determines whether further medical attention is warranted.

If a child is seen by a physician regarding any illness, a note from the doctor stating that the child has no communicable illness and is able to return to school will serve as appropriate documentation for that child to return as per the doctor’s orders.

Parental Consent for Emergency Treatment

In the event a child gets injured, the closest possible hospital/medical center will provide emergency treatment. In order to receive this treatment, parents are asked to sign a consent for doctor’s treatment, which is included on the Emergency Contact Form. This form must include child’s doctor’s name and phone number as well as a parent/guardian signature.

The designated hospital or medical center serving the program in an emergency is listed in the Summer Camp Handbook Addendums below: