Illness Policy

In caring for your children, we try to use our best judgment concerning their health.  If this is your child's first exposure to a large group environment, he/she may be more susceptible to illness because of the greater exposure to childhood diseases.  To save you time and inconvenience please check your child for some of these symptoms before you bring him/her in for the day:

1.  Fever of at least 100°F under arm (axillary) and who also have one or more
     of the following:

• diarrhea/vomiting

• earache

• headache

• signs of irritability or confusion

• sore throat

• rash

• fatigue that limits participation in daily activities

2.  Vomiting on 2 or more occasions within the past 24 hours.

3.  Diarrhea:  3 or more watery stools within a 24-hour period, or any bloody
     stool.

4.  Rash, especially with fever or itching.

5.  Eye discharge or conjunctivitis (pink eye) until clear or until 24 hours of
     antibiotic treatment.

6.  Sick appearance, not feeling well and/or not able to keep up with
      program activities.

7.  Open or oozing sores, unless properly covered and 24 hours has passed
     since starting antibiotic treatment, if treatment is necessary.

8.  Lice or scabies.  For head lice, children and staff may return to childcare
     after treatment and NO nits.  For scabies, return after treatment.

Staff members will follow the same exclusion criteria as children.

*Additional information can be found in our Health Policy.

Not Feeling Good:

Unusually tired, pale, lack of appetite, confused, cranky, listlessness, or withdrawn can be early signs that your child is coming down with something.

Upon having the following diseases, a child must have a written consent from either a physician or the Health Department to return to school:

We are at high risk of illness by the sheer probability of exposure, which occurs whenever groups of children assemble.  Our teachers disinfect cots, furniture, equipment, etc., daily, and our building is cleaned and sanitized each evening.  However, we need your help too!

1. Watch your child in the morning for any unusual signs of poor health.

2. Have alternate arrangements for care arranged in case of illness.

3. Make arrangements for emergency pick-up in the event your child gets ill at school.

4. Have a Tylenol release signed by your physician and in your child's file so it can be given in emergency situations, until the parent arrives, or in other cases as necessary.

Your child may be sent home if any of the following occur:

1. Fever of 100 degrees or higher

2. Lethargic - unable to function in class.

3. Diarrhea

4. Fussy, cranky, complaining of pain.

5. Symptoms of possible communicable disease are present.  Please call the center if you child does have a communicable disease and we will return the courtesy.

Children may return to school if:  

1. The fever has been gone for 24 hours.

2. Has been on antibiotic's for 24 hours.

3. Physician's permission.

Medications may be dispensed at school but must be in the original prescription container.  A medication form must be filled out and signed upon arrival.  Non-prescription medication can only be given as authorized by a physician.  Our general rule is: A child who is too ill to go outside is too sick to be in school.  The exception is made with a note from a physician.  

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