Deck 2: Daily Health Observations

Question 1

Examine and describe your feelings about conducting daily health checks in a reflective journal entry. Do you think all beginning teachers have similar feelings Outline several steps you might take to improve your observational skills and gain confidence in identifying children's health problems.

Answer 1

Daily health checks allow teachers to protect the health of individual students as well as all students in their charge. Daily health checks also allow teachers to teach students about health-related topics such as personal hygiene and the importance physical activity. Safeguarding students' health promotes learning by preventing distractions caused by illness and allowing students to be engaged learners.
Describe your feelings about the importance of performing daily health checks on students. What value do you feel this has in their education Do you feel that it is appropriate for teachers to perform health checks Do you feel that it oversteps boundaries How confident are you in performing health checks Are you comfortable addressing concerns about a student's health with their family How important to a students' health are the observations made by teachers
Think about the steps you might take to improve your observational skills when performing health checks. Keep in mind Teacher Checklist 2-1. Some steps you might consider:
• Have a system; make observations in the same order every time. For example, look for obvious scrapes or injuries to the skin, and then look at posture, nasal drainage, and so on.
• Make detailed notes; stating that a child seems unwell is uninformative. Write information such as the measured temperature if a child is running a fever, the appearance of the skin (red, raised blemishes, dry patches, etc.), or behavior (irritability, sadness).

Question 2

Learning becomes more meaningful for children when it:
a. is presented in the context of everyday experiences.
b. addresses novel information.
c. is provided during formal lessons.
d. challenges children's curiosity.

Answer 2

Daily health checks provide teachers with an opportunity to provide a safeguard to the health of the students in their classroom. Children are better able to comprehend information when it is presented in the context of daily life because they are able to relate to the information. Simply presenting facts to a child does not provide them context in which to apply the information. The correct answer is a., is presented in the context of everyday experiences.

Question 3

What suggestions would you have for a preschool teacher who says he is too busy to conduct daily health checks

Answer 3

Completing daily health checks provides a benefit to students in that ill students can be identified and removed from the classroom to prevent the spread of illness. To quickly and efficiently complete health checks, teachers should develop a protocol that they follow rigorously; this will allow them to complete health checks efficiently by following the same sequence of observations. They might prepare a printed checklist to ensure they are thorough and can quickly recall all health observations that need to be made. A checklist can also help with record keeping and should include a section for specific notes when a child presents an unusual symptom or behavior. Daily health checks should be performed in a designated area of the classroom to help improve teacher efficiency and consistency in performing health checks as well as provide a measure of comfort for students. The health check area can be stocked with note-taking material to help health checks be completed faster.

Question 4

High drop-out rates among school-age children continue to attract national attention. According to several recent studies, many of these children have undiagnosed health problems, such as vision and hearing impairments, allergies, asthma, and anemia, which interfere with their ability to learn and to succeed in school. After years of struggle and failure, some children simply choose to abandon the source of their frustration.
The visionary founders of Head Start clearly understood the importance of early identification and treatment of health problems to ensure that children were ready and able to learn upon entering school. The same preventive philosophy is evident in the Healthy People 2020 goals and reinforces the valuable role teachers play in assessing and promoting children's well-being.
Think About This:
Should inservice and teacher education programs include more training about children's health care needs Explain.
In what ways do state child-care licensing regulations encourage teachers to be proactive in protecting children's health and safety
What right does a teacher have to insist that children receive treatment for their health problems Explain.
What health care options exist for children whose families cannot afford needed treatments

Question 5

Chris, the head teacher in the Sunflower classroom, has recently had some concerns about Lynette's vision. He has noticed that during group story time, Lynette quickly loses interest, often leaves her place in the circle, and crawls closer to him in an apparent effort to see the pictures in books he is holding up. Chris has also observed that when Lynette is working on puzzles, manipulatives, or an art project, she typically lowers her head close to the objects. Lynette's parents have also expressed concern about her clumsiness at home.
The results of two vision screening tests, administered by the school nurse on different days, suggest that Lynette's vision is not within normal limits. The nurse shared these findings during a conference with Lynette's parents, and encouraged them to arrange for a follow-up evaluation with an eye specialist. However, because Lynette's father was recently laid off from his job, they no longer have health insurance and cannot afford a doctor's visit at this time. The nurse continued to work closely with the family and helped them locate two reduced-fee health clinics in their community that provided the type of services Lynette required.
If you were the nurse advising Lynette's parents, what free or low-cost health service options could you recommend in your community

Question 6

Define each of the Terms to Know listed at the end of this chapter.

Question 7

What are some things teachers can do to get families more involved in their child's preventive health care

Question 8

Describe the resources available to teachers for gathering information about a child's health.

Question 9

What describes the teacher's role in using health assessment screening tools
a. Teachers can use some screening tools.
b. Teachers are forbidden by law to use screening tools.
c. Teachers can use some screening tools, but they should not use them.
d. Teachers can use all screening tools.

Question 10

Chris, the head teacher in the Sunflower classroom, has recently had some concerns about Lynette's vision. He has noticed that during group story time, Lynette quickly loses interest, often leaves her place in the circle, and crawls closer to him in an apparent effort to see the pictures in books he is holding up. Chris has also observed that when Lynette is working on puzzles, manipulatives, or an art project, she typically lowers her head close to the objects. Lynette's parents have also expressed concern about her clumsiness at home.
The results of two vision screening tests, administered by the school nurse on different days, suggest that Lynette's vision is not within normal limits. The nurse shared these findings during a conference with Lynette's parents, and encouraged them to arrange for a follow-up evaluation with an eye specialist. However, because Lynette's father was recently laid off from his job, they no longer have health insurance and cannot afford a doctor's visit at this time. The nurse continued to work closely with the family and helped them locate two reduced-fee health clinics in their community that provided the type of services Lynette required.
What behaviors did Lynette exhibit that made her teacher suspect some type of vision disorder

Question 11

The first step a teacher should take when using observation to monitor a child's health and development is to:
a. note any and all changes
b. note changes that have the potential to affect learning
c. identify attainable goals
d. establish a baseline for each child

Question 12

Health impairments can have a profound effect on a student's ability to concentrate and learn successfully. The most critical step to overcoming these prospective barriers is
a. accommodation.
b. counseling.
c. medical or behavioral intervention.
d. detection.

Question 13

Infants and Toddlers: Daily Health Checks
Children's ability to learn is affected by their state of well-being. Because young children are highly susceptible and prone to infectious illnesses, it is important that teachers conduct daily health checks. As you watch the learning video, Infants and Toddlers: Daily Health Checks , consider the following questions:
Why should health checks be conducted daily

Question 14

Explain how health status affects a child's ability to learn.

Question 15

Infants and Toddlers: Daily Health Checks
Children's ability to learn is affected by their state of well-being. Because young children are highly susceptible and prone to infectious illnesses, it is important that teachers conduct daily health checks. As you watch the learning video, Infants and Toddlers: Daily Health Checks , consider the following questions:
Why is it important that teachers spend time interacting with parents as part of their daily health checks

Question 16

Describe the health check routine. What common health problems/conditions should teachers look for

Question 17

Infants and Toddlers: Daily Health Checks
Children's ability to learn is affected by their state of well-being. Because young children are highly susceptible and prone to infectious illnesses, it is important that teachers conduct daily health checks. As you watch the learning video, Infants and Toddlers: Daily Health Checks , consider the following questions:
What are the best times of the day to perform a daily health check on an infant or toddler

Question 18

Chris, the head teacher in the Sunflower classroom, has recently had some concerns about Lynette's vision. He has noticed that during group story time, Lynette quickly loses interest, often leaves her place in the circle, and crawls closer to him in an apparent effort to see the pictures in books he is holding up. Chris has also observed that when Lynette is working on puzzles, manipulatives, or an art project, she typically lowers her head close to the objects. Lynette's parents have also expressed concern about her clumsiness at home.
The results of two vision screening tests, administered by the school nurse on different days, suggest that Lynette's vision is not within normal limits. The nurse shared these findings during a conference with Lynette's parents, and encouraged them to arrange for a follow-up evaluation with an eye specialist. However, because Lynette's father was recently laid off from his job, they no longer have health insurance and cannot afford a doctor's visit at this time. The nurse continued to work closely with the family and helped them locate two reduced-fee health clinics in their community that provided the type of services Lynette required.
Identify the sources from which information concerning Lynette's vision problem was obtained before she was referred to an eye specialist.

Question 19

Infants and Toddlers: Daily Health Checks
Children's ability to learn is affected by their state of well-being. Because young children are highly susceptible and prone to infectious illnesses, it is important that teachers conduct daily health checks. As you watch the learning video, Infants and Toddlers: Daily Health Checks , consider the following questions:
What conditions should the teacher note during the health check

Question 20

List the reasons why teachers should conduct daily health checks.

Question 21

Daily health checks are:
a. time consuming and tedious-weekly or biweekly health checks are far more practical
b. time consuming but necessary
c. brief and a source of invaluable information
d. best left to an attending school nurse

Question 22

Discuss how you might respond to a parent who objects to the daily health checks conducted by her child's teacher.

Question 23

Communicating with Parents about Health in Early Childhood: A Parent-Teacher Meeting
Children ultimately benefit when schools establish meaningful partnerships with their families. Parents also gain from their involvement in children's educational programs. They may become more confident, have an improved understanding of what teachers are trying to accomplish, and develop a greater interest in children's learning. As you watch the learning video, Communicating with Parents about Health in Early Childhood: A Parent-Teacher Meeting , consider the following questions:
Why do you think it is important to schedule a parent-teacher meeting before a child begins to attend classes

Question 24

Chris, the head teacher in the Sunflower classroom, has recently had some concerns about Lynette's vision. He has noticed that during group story time, Lynette quickly loses interest, often leaves her place in the circle, and crawls closer to him in an apparent effort to see the pictures in books he is holding up. Chris has also observed that when Lynette is working on puzzles, manipulatives, or an art project, she typically lowers her head close to the objects. Lynette's parents have also expressed concern about her clumsiness at home.
The results of two vision screening tests, administered by the school nurse on different days, suggest that Lynette's vision is not within normal limits. The nurse shared these findings during a conference with Lynette's parents, and encouraged them to arrange for a follow-up evaluation with an eye specialist. However, because Lynette's father was recently laid off from his job, they no longer have health insurance and cannot afford a doctor's visit at this time. The nurse continued to work closely with the family and helped them locate two reduced-fee health clinics in their community that provided the type of services Lynette required.
If the teacher suspected a vision problem, why didn't he just go ahead and recommend that Lynette get glasses

Question 25

Communicating with Parents about Health in Early Childhood: A Parent-Teacher Meeting
Children ultimately benefit when schools establish meaningful partnerships with their families. Parents also gain from their involvement in children's educational programs. They may become more confident, have an improved understanding of what teachers are trying to accomplish, and develop a greater interest in children's learning. As you watch the learning video, Communicating with Parents about Health in Early Childhood: A Parent-Teacher Meeting , consider the following questions:
What did the teacher do to put the parent at ease and begin to establish a trusting partnership

Question 26

Describe how an elementary teacher might modify the health check procedure to use with schoolage children.

Question 27

Communicating with Parents about Health in Early Childhood: A Parent-Teacher Meeting
Children ultimately benefit when schools establish meaningful partnerships with their families. Parents also gain from their involvement in children's educational programs. They may become more confident, have an improved understanding of what teachers are trying to accomplish, and develop a greater interest in children's learning. As you watch the learning video, Communicating with Parents about Health in Early Childhood: A Parent-Teacher Meeting , consider the following questions:
What communication skills (e.g., body language, checking for understanding, listening) did the teacher demonstrate during the meeting

Question 28

What benefits do daily health checks provide for children

Question 29

Communicating with Parents about Health in Early Childhood: A Parent-Teacher Meeting
Children ultimately benefit when schools establish meaningful partnerships with their families. Parents also gain from their involvement in children's educational programs. They may become more confident, have an improved understanding of what teachers are trying to accomplish, and develop a greater interest in children's learning. As you watch the learning video, Communicating with Parents about Health in Early Childhood: A Parent-Teacher Meeting , consider the following questions:
Was the teacher successful in communicating the program's health information to the parent What suggestions would you offer to this teacher for improvement

Question 30

Chris, the head teacher in the Sunflower classroom, has recently had some concerns about Lynette's vision. He has noticed that during group story time, Lynette quickly loses interest, often leaves her place in the circle, and crawls closer to him in an apparent effort to see the pictures in books he is holding up. Chris has also observed that when Lynette is working on puzzles, manipulatives, or an art project, she typically lowers her head close to the objects. Lynette's parents have also expressed concern about her clumsiness at home.
The results of two vision screening tests, administered by the school nurse on different days, suggest that Lynette's vision is not within normal limits. The nurse shared these findings during a conference with Lynette's parents, and encouraged them to arrange for a follow-up evaluation with an eye specialist. However, because Lynette's father was recently laid off from his job, they no longer have health insurance and cannot afford a doctor's visit at this time. The nurse continued to work closely with the family and helped them locate two reduced-fee health clinics in their community that provided the type of services Lynette required.
What responsibilities do teachers have when they believe a child has a health impairment

Question 31

Although a variety of people and organizations are often involved in supporting children's well-being, the primary responsibility for a child's health and health care __________ lies with his or her family.
a. sometimes
b. always
c. ideally
d. most often