Your child’s safety and well-being are a team effort, and you are a vital part of that team!
Think Safe – Communicate
If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask. The Inspire Centre team working with your child must have all the necessary health information to provide the best care possible.
If you ever have questions about your child’s condition or treatment, ask your therapist to explain—it’s okay to ask for clarification. And if you still have concerns, please ask again.
We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Getting to Know Your Inspire Centre Team
We want you to feel comfortable and informed about your child’s care!
- If you’re unsure about who a service provider is or what their role is, please don’t hesitate to ask—we’re here to support you.
- At Inspire Centre, our staff are trained in First Aid and CPR, and we have First Aid Stations throughout the building to ensure safety.
- We also conduct regular fire and emergency preparedness drills to keep everyone protected.
Working Together to Keep Everyone Safe
Your health and safety matter to us! Here are a few ways we can work together:
- If you or your child are feeling unwell, please call your service provider.
- Always remember to wash or sanitize your hands to help prevent the spread of germs.
- When coughing or sneezing, use your shoulder or sleeve instead of your hands.
Additionally, to create a safe and welcoming space for all:
- Please refrain from smoking on Centre property or while Inspire Centre staff are visiting your home.
- If you have pets, ensure they are kept under control when staff are present.
- Make sure there is a clean and safe area in your home for Inspire Centre visits.
- Some staff, families, caregivers, and children may be sensitive to strong scents. Please avoid wearing perfumes or scented products when attending appointments.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment—we appreciate you being a part of the Inspire Centre community!
Allergy Awareness
To ensure your child’s safety, please let each staff member working with you know about any allergies your child may have.
If your child requires an EpiPen, always bring it with you when attending appointments.
For the well-being of everyone, please avoid bringing food items that contain nuts or latex to the Inspire Centre.
Thank you for helping us create a safe environment for all!
Medication Safety
To ensure your child’s well-being, please inform Inspire Centre staff about any medications they are taking, including the name and possible side effects.
If medication needs to be provided to teachers or daycare staff, make sure it is in its original, child-proof, and clearly labeled container.
Additionally, please follow any medication policies set by Inspire Centre to help keep everyone safe.
Taking Care of Your Child’s Equipment
- Keeping your child’s equipment clean and in good working condition helps ensure their safety and comfort.
- If you’re ever unsure about its condition, don’t hesitate to ask your child’s occupational therapist or physiotherapist to check that everything is safe and functioning properly.
- Always use equipment only as instructed to support your child’s needs effectively.
Staying Safe at Inspire Centre
Preventing Falls
Let’s work together to keep our space safe!
- Keep hallways clear of clutter and obstacles.
- Report any tripping hazards inside or outside the building.
- Always keep an eye on your child in waiting areas and therapy spaces.
- Make sure they wear proper footwear and be mindful of slippery floors, especially in bad weather.
- Encourage walking instead of running to help prevent accidents.
Hand Hygiene for a Healthier Space
Clean hands help keep everyone healthy!
- Use the hand sanitizers at the entrance when you arrive.
- Wash your hands after handling anything soiled or after using the bathroom.
- Inspire Centre staff sanitize their hands before and after working with your child.
- Therapy equipment and surfaces are regularly cleaned to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and welcoming space for everyone!
Keep Our Community Healthy – Help prevent the spread of infections
Your health and safety are important to us! To help prevent the spread of infections:
- If you or your child are feeling unwell, please contact us to reschedule your appointment.
- Let us know if your child has been diagnosed with a communicable illness (such as chickenpox, influenza, or strep throat).
- Getting a flu shot is a great way to reduce the risk of illness—talk to your doctor to learn more!
Thank you for helping us create a safe and healthy space for everyone!
When to Stay Home
Your child’s health comes first! If they’re not feeling well, they won’t get the full benefit of their therapeutic program, and coming in could put others at risk.
Some children at the Inspire Centre have medical conditions that make them especially vulnerable to common illnesses. Even a minor cold can have serious effects, so let’s all do our part to keep everyone safe.
If your child, their siblings, or you are unwell, please take caution and consider staying home. Your health—and the health of others—matters.
When to Keep Your Child Home from Therapy
If you’re unsure whether to bring your child in for therapy, here are some signs that they may need to stay home:
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the past 24 hours
- A fever (above 37.0°C or 98.6°F)
- Eye irritation with redness or yellow discharge (such as pink eye)
- A runny nose with thick, colored mucus or other symptoms
- Untreated head lice
- Any rash, including chickenpox or impetigo
- Stomach aches or headaches
- Sore throat
- Persistent coughing, especially at night
- Toothache
Keeping your child home when they’re unwell helps them recover while also protecting other children and staff.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and healthy!
Protecting your back is essential when caring for children.
- To minimize the risk of injury, consult with your child’s therapist for guidance tailored to their needs.
- Store heavy items at waist level for easy access, and when engaging with children, squat or kneel instead of bending at the waist.
- Maintaining good posture while sitting, especially for extended periods, is crucial—using a wall or furniture for support can help.
- Avoid carrying toddlers on one hip, as this can cause imbalance and discomfort over time.
- Whenever possible, encourage your child to assist with movements, making lifting easier for both of you.
- Additionally, breaking lifting motions into steps can reduce physical stress.
By following these simple practices, you can care for your child while ensuring your own well-being.