3.16.1.5: Illness Policy
- Page ID
- 41696
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Policy for Handling a Child’s Illness
Purpose
To ensure the health and safety of children, families, and staff, this policy outlines procedures for managing a child’s illness at the program, including when children should stay home, when they may return, and how to handle illnesses that arise during the day.
General Guidelines
- Daily Health Checks: Staff will conduct health checks upon arrival to identify any signs of illness.
- When Symptoms Develop at the Program:
- Isolate the child in a designated sick area under adult supervision.
- Notify the parent/guardian immediately for pick-up.
- Ensure the child is comfortable and provided with basic care while waiting.
- Notification to Families: Parents/guardians will be informed of any communicable diseases or outbreaks in the center.
- Documentation: Staff will document any signs of illness, actions taken, and communication with parents/guardians.
Illness Exclusion Guidelines
| Illness/Infection Symptoms | Should Child Stay Home? | When Can Child Return to Center? |
|---|---|---|
| Fever (100.4°F or higher) | Yes | When fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. |
| Vomiting | Yes | 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting. |
| Diarrhea | Yes | 24 hours after the last loose stool and when no other symptoms are present. |
| Cough or difficulty breathing | If persistent or accompanied by other symptoms | When symptoms improve and a healthcare provider confirms the child is not contagious. |
| Rash | If the rash is unexplained or potentially contagious | After rash resolves or with written clearance from a healthcare provider if contagious conditions (e.g., chickenpox, impetigo, etc.) are suspected. |
| Sore throat with fever | Yes | When fever-free for 24 hours and with written clearance from a healthcare provider if strep throat is diagnosed (after 24 hours of antibiotics). |
| Eye irritation/redness | If discharge or suspected conjunctivitis (pink eye) | After 24 hours of treatment with antibiotics if bacterial, or when cleared by a healthcare provider if non-infectious. |
| Head lice | Yes | After the first treatment and no live lice are present. |
| Unexplained fatigue or irritability | If the child cannot participate in activities | When the child can engage in normal activities comfortably. |
Responsibilities
- Parents/Guardians: Ensure children stay home when ill and communicate with the program about any diagnoses or exposures.
- Staff: Monitor children for symptoms, follow exclusion guidelines, and provide clear communication to families.
- Director: Ensure staff training on illness policies and maintain up-to-date information on public health requirements.
Communication and Updates
This policy aligns with public health recommendations and will be updated as needed. Parents and staff will be notified of any changes to ensure the health and well-being of everyone in the program.