Illness Policy
Department Of Early Childhood Education
Early Head Start, Head Start and Great Start Readiness
(Revised based on American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations and approved by Health Services Advisory Committee 5/9/2011)
Illness Procedure/guidelines
Outdoor activity is very important for young children and is a planned activity in our centers. Fresh air and movement is needed daily for your child’s general well-being and healthy development, therefore, we feel that a child who is well enough to come to school is well enough to play outdoors. You can help your child enjoy outdoor activities by making sure that he/she is properly dressed for the weather; during the winter months this includes boots, warm coat, snow pants, hat and mittens. Below is a guideline for the number of days children should be kept out of school with the following diseases:
Cold/flu – Keep child at home until coughing, runny nose, or fever has subsided. Do Not send child to school for 24 hours after symptoms have subsided.
Fever – (101 degrees F. or more) A fever is a sign of infection. Keep child home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone Without The Use Of A Fever-reducing Medication.
Vomitting/diarrhea – Child is to be kept home for 24 hours after both have stopped.
Impetigo – Small, red pimples or fluid-filled blisters with crusted yellow scabs, usually found on the face, but may be anywhere on the body. Consult the child’s health professional for treatment plan. Child may return to group setting when antibiotics are started and sores have dried up.
Strep Throat – Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, stomachache, headache, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and decreased appetite. Keep child at home 24 hours after medication is started.
Scarlet Fever – A fine, red rash caused by a strep infection that makes the skin feel like sand paper. Follow the same guidelines as for strep throat.
Chicken Pox – Contagious for 1-2 days before rash appears, and until all blisters have scabs and no new blisters are forming. Child can return to school after all scabs are dry.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) – There are several types of conjunctivitis with varying incubation and contagious periods. Consult a health professional for diagnosis and possible treatment. Most types of pink eye are not a cause for exclusion from group settings and should generally be treated the same as you would a common cold.
Head Lice – Child must be nit-free before returning to school. If you need information on detection or treatment, contact your child’s teacher, the Health Coordinator, or the Health Department. Pamphlets and videos are available. Parent must accompany child to school the day they return so staff can confirm that the child is nit-free.
Scabies (Mites) – An infestation of the skin by small insects called mites. Must be treated by a health professional. Child may return to group setting after treatment has been completed.
Thrush – Yeast infection of the mouth, usually with white patches on the inside of cheeks and on gums and tongue. Must be seen by health professional for prescribed medication.
Fifth Desease (Slap Cheek) – Virus that can last 1-2 weeks. Blotchy rash on cheeks and all over body; can be itchy. Does not respond to antibiotics, as it is viral. Use same precautions as for cold and flu.
Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease – Mild childhood illness. May last 1-3 weeks. Follow recommendations made by a health professional.