Operational Bulletin 331 - July 29, 2011

National Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Childminding Requirements – Tuberculosis Tests for LINC Childminding Staff and Volunteers

Summary

The purpose of this Operational Bulletin is to inform settlement officers of changes to the requirement for follow-up tuberculosis testing included in the National Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) Childminding Requirements. Reflecting new guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), childminding volunteers and staff are to have an initial assessment upon commencement of work and thereafter they are to follow the tuberculosis control programs as set by their provincial/territorial or municipal Board of Health.

Issue

The National LINC Childminding Requirements require revision to reflect changes to the PHAC’s guidance concerning health assessments.

Background

The previous LINC childminding requirement stipulated that staff and volunteers were to provide proof of their tuberculosis-free status every 2 years. Under new guidance from the PHAC, this requirement is amended so that staff and volunteers are to follow the tuberculosis control programs as set by their provincial, territorial or municipal Board of Health.

Section 5.5 - Volunteer/Staff Health

Section 5.5 of the National LINC Childminding Requirements, addressing the tuberculosis testing requirements for staff and volunteers caring for children, is amended as follows:

Health

1. For each staff member or volunteer who works directly with the children, the service providing organization (SPO) must have on file a record of a health assessment that
   1. Is signed by a medical practitioner;
   2. Is completed not more than three (3) months prior to the date of commencement with the program and before working with the children; and
   3. Includes evidence that the person has complied with the provincial/territorial or municipal tuberculosis control programs.
2. The SPO must also retain evidence that the staff member or volunteer continues to comply with their provincial/territorial tuberculosis control programs as required by the local health office.

Childminding Monitoring Advisory and Support, the agency funded by CIC to create and monitor standards in SPO non-licensed childminding facilities, is aware of this revision and will amend the National LINC Childminding Requirements accordingly. CIC settlement officers must inform service providers about this revision.