Information for Family: Part Two
- Child Safety
- Poison Control Center
- Well Baby Clinic
- Planned Parenthood of Tompkins County
- Childbirth Education Courses at BOCES
- Sexual Health Services
Child Safety
Unattended Children
It is illegal to leave small children or babies unattended in a home by themselves. If you and your spouse must leave your children at home, you must arrange for an adult (e.g., a friend or neighbor) or responsible older child (12 years or older) to supervise your children's activities. U.S. laws make a parent liable to charges of negligence if an unattended child is injured. If you need to find suitable supervision for your children such as a nursery school or day care, contact the Day Care and Child Development Council of Tompkins County at 273-0259.
Car Safety Seats
The law requires children under the age of four to be restrained in a federally approved car seat when riding in a motor vehicle. If the weight of a child under the age of 4 exceeds 40 pounds, the child may be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system, allowing the child to use a booster seat. Children ages 4, 5,and 6 must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system, one for which your child meets the weight and height recommendations of the child restraint manufacturer. A child safety seat or harness/vest or booster seat may be used. The vehicle's safety belts are not defined as a child restraint system under this law, as safety belts are not designed for children under 4'9" and therefore, do not protect young children. See details at: http://www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/sesa-ndx.htm#regarding
Poison Control Center
The Poison Control Center can give you the latest information on emergency treatment for poisons. Their telephone number is 1-800-252-5655, and they are open 24 hours a day. in case of an emergency, you could also call your pediatrician, or take your child to the emergency room of the hospital. Never treat a child who has consumed a poisonous substance without instructions from a poison center or a doctor.
Well-Baby Clinic
The Public Health Department of Tompkins County offers free immunizations for all children, newborn to 18 years of age, at the Walk-In Clinic for Immunization, 401 Harris B. Dates Drive, next to Tompkins County Hospital. Call for times and other locations at 274-6616.
For a nominal fee, well-baby clinics located throughout the county offer free physical examinations for the purpose of immunizing children two months to five years of age. The fee is based on the total annual income of the family and the number of family members. This service is not for sick children. Appointments are necessary. To find out the nearest location to you and to make an appointment, call 274-6616.
Planned Parenthood of Tompkins County
PPTC, located downtown at 314 West State Street, provides information and counseling on birth control, abortion referral, pregnancy test, etc. Office hours vary. Call 273-1513 to find out opening hours and for an appointment.
Childbirth Education Courses at BOCES
CEA provides a certified instructor to teach the Lamaze method of childbirth. Lamaze involves controlled breathing exercises and muscular relaxation as well as the participation of the mother's partner. They offer an eight-week course in the Lamaze method; a four-week refresher course; and classes in early pregnancy, nutrition, exercise and prenatal care. For information call the registrar for evening classes at BOCES, telephone 257-1551
Sexual Health Services
Gannett Health Services provides a broad range of medical and counseling support services for students, spouses and same-sex partners and children over age 14. We know that the U.S. medical system can be particularly difficult to navigate for students from other countries. Healthcare providers may ask questions that feel inappropriate or unnecessary. This may be especially true when it comes to sexual health.
Our medical staff will do their best to help you understand the reason for their questions and the recommended care and treatment. While some questions may feel intrusive or too personal, the questions are asked only so we can provide established medical practice and care. Our intention is not to insult or to pry into your personal life. Confidentiality is an important component of the U.S. medical system, and we do all that we can to ensure that your care and medical records will be carefully protected at Gannett.
Available sexual health services include contraception, women's gynecological care and examinations, pregnancy testing and referral for obstetrical care, infection diagnosis and treatment, as well as individual and couples counseling on many issues including sexual health care, sexual identity, sexual dysfunction, relationship issues, pregnancy options, healthy relationships, and sexual decision-making (see www.gannett.cornell.edu).
Gannett also offers language assistance (in over 140 languages). If translation would be helpful to you, let them know when you are making an appointment. You are always welcome to bring a family member or friend with you to your appointment. Gannett is open Monday - Friday (8:30 am-5:00pm) and Saturdays (10am-4:00pm) during the academic year.