Purpose:

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To protect the health, safety, and well-being of all children and staff, children must be well enough to participate fully in the school day. Group care increases the spread of illness, and children who are unwell need care and rest that cannot be provided in a school setting.

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Well Child Requirements:

A child is considered well enough to attend school when they:

• Are free from symptoms of illness that may be contagious

• Have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours (when applicable)

• Have not required fever-reducing or symptom-masking medication in the past 24 hours

• Have the energy and comfort to participate in daily routines

• Can safely participate in outdoor activities in current weather conditions

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Children may attend school with:

• Mild runny nose with clear mucus

• Occasional cough without fever or distress

• Mild allergies

• Minor scrapes, bruises, or healing injuries

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When Children Must Stay Home:

Children should not attend school if they have any of the following:

Fever

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• Children must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea (two or more loose stools in 24 hours)

• Must be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning

Respiratory Symptoms

• Persistent or worsening cough

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing not related to a known, managed condition

Other Exclusion Symptoms

• Severe sore throat

• Eye redness with discharge (possible conjunctivitis)

• Unexplained rash

• Extreme fatigue, lethargy, or inability to participate

• Any illness requiring one-on-one care beyond what staff can safely provide

Contagious Illness

• Suspected or diagnosed contagious illness (e.g., flu, COVID-19, strep throat)

• Children may return based on medical guidance and when no longer contagious

Illness During the School Day

• If a child becomes ill while at school, families will be contacted promptly.

• The child will be supervised in a quiet, comfortable area away from the group until picked up.

• Families are expected to arrange pickup as soon as possible.

Medication Policy

• Staff do not administer medication unless required by licensing and accompanied by proper authorization.

• Children who require medication to manage symptoms (such as fever reducers) must remain home.

 

 

Outdoor Program Considerations

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Because our program includes daily outdoor learning:

• Children must be well enough to participate outdoors in current weather

• Children unable to safely or comfortably engage in outdoor activities should remain home until well

 

 

Family Responsibilities

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Families are responsible for:

• Monitoring their child’s health each day before school

• Keeping children home when they are not well

• Notifying the staff of contagious illnesses

• Maintaining up-to-date emergency contact information