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Policy

Parents and staff will be informed of Head Start exclusion guidelines for ill children and adults.

Procedures

  1. In order to ensure the safety and health of our children and staff, and in compliance with regulations set forth by Child Care Licensing Division (CCLD), children or adults who have any of the following conditions will be excluded from the classroom until either the condition subsides, or we receive communication from that individual’s medical provider stating that they are no longer contagious.
    1. Fever over 100.4°F. A child with a fever over 100.4°F may return if fever free for 24 hours without the aid of medication.
    2. A painful, red throat, even if no fever is present.
    3. Severe or persistent coughing. A child with severe or persistent coughing may return after symptoms are improving for 24 hours or with written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider.
    4. Difficulty breathing or abnormal wheezing. A child with difficulty breathing or abnormal wheezing may return to care after symptoms are improving for 24 hours.
    5. An unexplained rash.
    6. Vomiting at least one time, where there is no explanation for the vomiting. A child who vomits without explanation may return 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or with written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider.
    7. “Diarrhea”, which means three or more watery, bloody, or loose stools in 24 hours, the sudden onset of loose stools, or a child is unable to control bowel function when previously able. A child with diarrhea may return 48 hours after diarrhea resolves or with written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider.
    8. Stiff neck and headache with one or more of the symptoms listed above.
    9. Thick green drainage from the nose along with sinus pressure, fever or tiredness.
    10. Yellow discharge from the eyes.
    11. Unusual yellow color to skin or eyes. A child with unusual yellow color to skin or eyes may return to care with written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider.
    12. Eye lesions that are severe, weeping, or pus filled. A child with eye lesions that are severe, weeping, or pus filled may return to care after symptoms resolve or with written clearance from a licensed healthcare provider.
    13. Open sores or wounds discharging bodily fluids. A child with open sores or wounds discharging bodily fluids may return to care after rash is resolved, when sores and wounds are dry or can be completely covered with a bandage, or with written clearance from a licensed health care provider.
    14. Is diagnosed as having or being a carrier of a child care restrictable disease, as defined in Oregon Health Authority administrative rules, except with the written approval of the public health administrator or licensed health care provider; or (b) Has one or more of the following symptoms of illness, except with the written approval of the public health administrator or licensed health care provider.
    15. Uncharacteristic lethargy, decreased alertness, increased irritability, increased confusion, or a behavior change that prevents active participation in usual school activities. A child with any of the above symptoms may return to care when symptoms resolve, return to normal behavior, or with written clearance from a licensed health care provider.
    16. Complaints of severe pain. A child with complaints of severe pain may return to care after symptoms are improving.
  2. Parents who feel their child is too ill to participate in outdoor activities should be advised by staff to keep her/him home an extra day to ensure a complete recovery.  If a chronic health condition limits participation in outdoor activities, a plan will be developed in partnership with that child’s health care provider.
  3. If a child who has been admitted into care shows signs of illness, as described in this rule, a certified child care center must:
    1. Separate the child from the other children in a location where the child can be seen and heard by staff and carefully observed at all times.
    2. Notify the parent to remove the child from the center as soon as possible.
    3. Until the parent arrives, provide the child with an individual cot, mat, or bed that can be easily cleaned and disinfected after use.
    4. Give extra attention to handwashing and sanitation including cleaning and disinfecting toys, equipment, and surfaces used by the ill child immediately after the child leaves.
    5. Keep disposable items and used linens in a closed container in the isolation area until cleaned or thrown away
  4. If the parent and staff are not in agreement about the need for exclusion from the classroom, the staff should contact the R.M. or the Health Consultant for advice.
  5. Staff will refer to the Communicable Disease and Illness policy and procedures for further guidance.

This policy complies with Head Start Performance Standard 45CFR Section 1304.22 . Child Care Division Rule 414-305-1010 Illness

It was approved by Policy Council on October 17, 1997. January 2024
Revised July 24, 2002. July 2013. September 2023. November 2023

© 1995-2024. Head Start of Lane County. All rights reserved.

REVIEWED: September 2023. November 2023