Vaccination and regular hygiene are key to protecting the health of children in kindergarten and preserving collective immunity, which significantly reduces the risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases, said Ljiljana Đurović, head nurse at the Public Preschool Institution (JPU) "Đina Vrbica".
In an interview for the PR Center, she reminded that vaccines protect us from many infectious diseases.
"All mandatory vaccines are included in the 'vaccination calendar'. They allow us to build collective immunity, which protects us from epidemics, and children are the most vulnerable part of the population when it comes to pandemics. And we must not forget that. That is why vaccination of children is necessary for preservation of their health and the health of the entire community," Đurović pointed out.
She explained that certificates from doctors are necessary, because they are a medical document that provides insight into the child's health condition.
"Certificates generally contain vaccination status and some notes such as allergies or some chronic diseases," Đurović added.
Asked why parents should ask for an excuse after an absence, Đurović said that the excuse, as well as the confirmation, is a medical document by which the doctor approves the return to the kindergarten, that is, confirms that the child has recovered and can stay in the collective again.
Speaking about the most common infectious diseases in kindergarten, how to recognize them and how to fight against them, Đurović said that the most common infectious diseases in kindergarten are respiratory infections and stomach viruses.
"Some other infectious diseases such as conjunctivitis, 'mouth, hand and foot' disease, measles (varicella) occur periodically. Other infectious diseases such as mononucleosis, scarlet fever and scabies occur rarely. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, loose stools, skin rashes, etc., said Đurović.
She emphasized that prevention is the best defense against infectious diseases.
"In the kindergarten, regular hygiene, changing of bed linen, disinfection of work surfaces (cribs, toys...) is carried out. When it comes to scabies, it is necessary to change the bed linen, boil it at high temperatures and iron it. The curtains are also washed and ironed if there are any room. All this is done separately from the rest of the laundry," said Đurović.
She explained that it is mandatory to disinfect the entire room, floors, desks, doorknobs, carpets, as well as toys.
"In case of suspicion of an infectious disease, the nurse informs the parents, and waits for feedback from the pediatrician or IJZCG. The chain of communication in the case of an infectious disease is very important for timely response and prevention of the spread of the infectious disease," said Đurović.
She pointed out that the cooperation of kindergartens with health institutions is necessary and almost everyday.
"In this way, we get new information in the case of infectious diseases. We also have cooperation with doctors who monitor the children who stay with us. Numerous lectures and educations for employees are organized with health institutions," said Đurović.
According to her, the information that parents provide to kindergartens must be accurate in order to be able to inform parents at any time in case of need (elevated temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, injury, etc.).
"Also, it is important to emphasize that in the event that the child has any health problem, the parent is obliged to submit the medical documentation, which the nurse properly keeps and acts on it if necessary," said Đurović.
She pointed out that with good communication between parents and nurses, trust is gained, everything is learned about the child, opinions and advice are exchanged.
"Good communication builds trust between parents and nurses, problems are recognized in a timely manner and reacted to," Đurović added.
When asked if the daily needs for food and liquid were met during the stay in the kindergarten, Đurović explained that the nutritionist-dietitian draws up a monthly diet plan based on "Normatives", which was done in cooperation with the Institute for Public Health.
"Nutrition in the kindergarten meets 75 percent of the total needs for food on a daily basis. And as for the intake of liquids in addition to regular drinks and appointments for giving water, each child is given additional liquids in accordance with the needs. Also, in the summer period, children are offered more often water," said Đurović.
Speaking about the recommendations for nutrition and the abolition of mushy food, Đurović said that the general recommendations, when it comes to the younger daycare group, are that children should switch to solid food in the second half of the year in order to develop the act of chewing, but that it is necessary to take into account individual children's needs.
Đurović said that the growth and development of the child in the kindergarten is monitored by regular measurement of the child's body weight and height, twice a year, and that the data is entered into the child's portfolio.
Speaking about weaning diapers in the kindergarten, Đurović said that diapers are changed at least three times during the stay, and more often depending on the child's needs.
"Each child is an individual on his own, but it is up to the nurse to recognize his needs and, in cooperation with the parents, to teach the child how to fulfill physiological needs independently (using a tutu)," said Đurović.
Answering the question about the day schedule in the kindergarten, Đurović said that the institution has a clearly marked day schedule in all educational units.
"Children's reception is from 6 to 8 a.m., followed by breakfast. Any deviation from the timetable, i.e. being late, also leads to a delay in the daily schedule. Children receive breakfast later, and compliance with the daily schedule is also important for children, because in this way they develop healthy habits Đurović concluded.
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