Chapter 10 Scenario Response

Mrs. Petre dropped her 4-year-old daughter, Anna, off at child care in the morning as usual. When Ms. Joanne, the teacher, greeted Anna, she noted that her eyes were red and had a slight discharge. She asked Mrs. Petre about it. Mrs. Petre replied that Anna’s allergies have been acting up, but that there was no reason to worry.  

When Mrs. Masson, the director, visited the classroom an hour later she noticed that the discharge had increased and that Anna’s eyes looked very red. She told Ms. Joanne that she was concerned that Anna had conjunctivitis (pink eye) and needed to be seen by her doctor. 

Mrs. Masson called Mrs. Petre at work for several hours before reaching her.  

Mrs. Petre again explained that Anna was just suffering from springtime allergies and also indicated she had used all her leave days and so wouldn't be able to come for Anna until the end of the day.

· What should Mrs. Masson do?  What should she do with Anna immediately, and how should she approach Anne's mother when she arrives at the end of the day?

· What should she do to prevent other children’s exposure, if it is conjunctivitis?

· Do families need to be notified? What is the best way to do that? 

· How can she prevent Anna (and other children who become ill at school) from feeling embarrassed or singled out with negative attention?