Health Concerns

A more detailed review of HCCA policies and procedures concerning health concerns and illnesses is available in your Parent Handbook. If you do not find the answers to your questions, please refer to the Parent Handbook for more information.

HCCA operates a highly sophisticated, custom-designed computer system for school administration that allows our staff to maintain efficiently, your child's records; and access important personal information at the touch of a key. We strictly adhere to your instructions regarding all medical alerts like allergies, medications, and special dietary needs; and we maintain immediate access to parental Emergency Contact Release information, contained in the students file.

...Jesus came in order to give [you] life and to give it to you more abundantly!John 10:10b

Emergency Numbers & Procedures. HCCA staff are trained in Community First Aid and in CPR; however, in spite of superb care and constant supervision, children sometimes suffer injuries while participating in normal activities, play and/or may become ill during the school day. Your registration form must contain not only your own contact information, but also at least two additional emergency contact numbers. You should always make sure this information is up-to-date.

Seasonal Reminders. Several times a year, during the cold, flu, or allergies seasons, HCCA issues reminders to parents concerning our policies and procedures regarding the illness of young children who attend this school. Please note that it is not HCCA's intent to inconvenience anyone whose child may become ill, but simply to offer some caution to protect all of our children and their families.

Diagnosis. Due to the subjective nature of diagnosing many illnesses; and due to the restrictive nature with which the Department of Human Resources and the Madison County Health Department write their regulations, determinations by our staff are sometimes difficult. Erring on the side of caution, HCCA takes the most healthy and conservative approach possible, relying on your child’s primary health care professional (and the State Guidelines) for final determinations.

Alabama Department of Human Resources Determinations. The ADHRD, in conjunction with the Madison County Health Department, are the regulatory and enforcement agencies for all child daycare and school institutions for the State of Alabama. Section II, (D) 6 of the Alabama Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers states:

“…Determinations of illness may be based on 1) the child’s inability to participate in the center’s activities; 2) the need for additional care that the staff cannot provide without taking time away from other children; 3) signs of serious or contagious disease or condition such as but not limited to fever, diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, scabies, head lice, …”

For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. I Corinthians 6:20

Allergies & Physical Limitations. You will be required to submit a proper Medical Release and Alert Notice - Special Needs/Allergy form when you enroll your children at HCCA. These forms must contain any allergies your child has to foods, plants, and/or medications used, should it be necessary.

IMPORTANT: HCCA is a Peanut-Free environment due to the frequency and severity of this allergy in young children. Any food products brought into HCCA cannot contain peanuts.

Administering Medication. Occasionally your child may require daily medication, i.e. insulin injections, inhalers, etc. All over-the-counter and prescription medications brought from home must be left in the HCCA office.  No medication of any type will be administered without a Medication Authorization Form signed by a parent or legal guardian.  This includes over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, cold medicines, cough syrups, etc. Dosages specified by the parent on the Medication Authorization Form must not exceed the dosages indicated on the prescription or by the manufacturer.  A new Medication Authorization Form is required for each week.  Hampton Cove Christian Academy will only administer medication once a day.  All AM and PM dosages must be given at home or administered by someone other than Hampton Cove Christian Academy staff.  

Prevention. Properly washing hands is proven to be the most effective way to prevent the spread of illnesses. HCCA staff members encourage children to wash their hands frequently throughout the day, before eating, and after using the bathroom facilities.

What if my child is sent home sick? HCCA asks that all parents who are called to pick up a child from school, must either  a) present a doctor’s excuse to the front office before the child may return to school; or 2) the child must be symptom/fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.  (See Parent Agreement Section III, Item #3)

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. 3 John 1:2

When Should my Child Stay Home? DHR further states that:

“No child who is ill may be admitted to the center. Any child in attendance who becomes ill, or has a contagious disease or condition shall be separated promptly from the group. The ill or injured child’s parents shall be notified immediately and required to come for, or arrange to have another designated person come for the child. If the parents or person designated cannot be reached, and the injury or illness is severe, the center shall obtain emergency medical treatment and DHR shall be notified."