Do you have protocols for allergies or medical emergencies?

Yes! We have thorough protocols in place for both allergy management and medical emergencies, following all New York State childcare regulations and best practices. For children with allergies, we create an individualized Health Care Plan in collaboration with the family. This plan details the child’s specific allergy (for example, peanuts or dairy), symptoms to watch for, and the steps to take in case of exposure. Every staff member who works with your child will be informed of these details. In each classroom, we maintain an allergy chart with each child’s name, photo, and their allergies or dietary restrictions clearly listed. We also use a color-coded placemat system at meal and snack times: children with known allergies or special diets have their food served on a distinctively colored placemat. This simple system is very effective – if any staff member walks into the room, they can immediately spot which children have allergies and double-check that those kids are only eating safe foods. It’s one of the many ways we stay vigilant. Additionally, our facility is nut-free to reduce risk, and we ask all families to refrain from bringing foods with peanuts or tree nuts.

When it comes to medical emergencies, Playto has a comprehensive emergency response plan. All our teachers are trained in pediatric first aid and CPR, and we conduct regular refreshers and drills. We keep first aid kits and any necessary emergency medications (like EpiPens for those with severe allergies) easily accessible in each classroom and the main office. In the event of a medical emergency, our staff will administer immediate first aid and call 911 if the situation requires it. We will also contact you (the parents/guardians) immediately to inform you of what’s happening and keep you updated. If an injury or incident occurs, we document it and follow up with you with an incident report and any next steps. Our goal is to prevent emergencies through vigilant supervision and safety measures, but if something does happen, we are prepared to respond quickly, effectively, and with your child’s best care in mind. Knowing that strong protocols are in place can help you feel confident that your child is in good hands at Playto.