Health and Immunizations Policy

This policy ensures that all individuals (employees, students, and volunteers) working at the childcare center have up-to-date immunization records as recommended by the local medical officer of health, in accordance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for collecting and maintaining immunization records for all employees (including students and volunteers) upon hiring and updating them periodically thereafter. Employees who object to immunization for medical or non-medical reasons must complete a standardized ministry-approved exemption form.

Exemption

Employees, students, or volunteers who object to immunization for medical or non-medical reasons must complete and submit a ministry-approved exemption form. The forms can be found online at the Government of Ontario Central Forms Repository:

• CCEYA Exemption - Statement of Medical Exemption (to be completed by a doctor or nurse practitioner)

• CCEYA Exemption - Statement of Conscience or Religious Belief

Any written objections or exemptions prior to August 29, 2016, will be considered compliant, but must be replaced with the new ministry-approved form by September 1, 2017.

Medical Requirements

Before starting employment, all employees and volunteers must provide a completed Health Assessment form. Students must provide a copy of their college Health form. The forms must include:

• Dates of immunizations

• Date of TB test and results

• General statement of health

A copy of student health records will be stored for 3 years.

Employees will be required to obtain booster shots as per the required immunization schedule.

Any costs associated with medical tests or records are the responsibility of the individual.