Child Protection Mandate. Our staff is committed to providing a place for children to feel safe and secure; we want children to learn and grow in a healthy atmosphere. All children need to have their basic needs met: medical care, nutrition, shelter, clean clothing, good hygiene, emotional support and a nurturing and loving environment. If a parent has problems with providing a child's needs, the director will assist with necessary additional support. If a parent is unable or unwilling to meet those needs, the director is mandated by state law to file a report with the Dept. of Social Services (DSS).

Off-site emergency. Appropriate emergency forms containing medical information about each child, a First Aid kit, and a cell phone always accompany a class on a field trip. If a child is injured or becomes seriously ill on a field trip and the child's parent or guardian is not in attendance, attempts will be made to reach a parent without delay.  If necessary, a qualified staff member will administer first aid immediately, while another staff member contacts emergency medical help.

The health form. According to the Massachusetts Dept. of Education and the DEEC regulations, no child can be enrolled in a child-care center without a completed health form which must be current and handed in to the school office by orientation day. If the form is not provided to the school, a child may be excluded from the program.

Snacks and nutrition. The children are provided with a snack every day. Beverages, which include juices and Poland Spring water, are unlimited and always available. Some of our students have allergies and/or a peanut allergy; consequently we maintain a PREANUT-FREE ENVIRONMENT. Parents are invited to bring in special treats for their child's birthday, but snacks should not contain any peanut product or candy of any type. We provide simple snacks at Wilder and will occasionally serve a "sugary" treat. Children love to cook and the classes will often make their own snack. Some of the simple snacks served at Wilder include fruit, Wheat Thins, pretzels, Pepperidge Goldfish, graham crackers, yogurt, Jell-O, corn muffins, applesauce, our own pizza, rice cakes/crackers, and cheese.

Allergies. All allergies noted on a child's enrollment or health form will be posted in the classroom. An allergy "tag" will also be placed in a prominent location on the child's file and Emergency Card. All staff will be notified of the allergies. In cases of allergies, diabetes or any other chronic health condition, the Wilder Board Health Advisors will work with staff and parents to keep everyone aware and informed of the necessary precautions.

We are PEANUT FREE and ALLERGY SENSITIVE. Allergies can pose life-threatening risks. From the Food Allergy News for Schools:

Avoiding an Allergic Reaction: Some children have severe allergic reactions to the smallest amount of the allergen; others have only minor skin irritations ...studies have shown that allergic reactions can occur from skin contact as well as ingestion and inhalation...