Illness & Exclusion Policy

For the well-being of all children, sick children must remain at home. We do not have an

on-site “sick room,” and the best place for recovery is at home. A child should only return

when they are:

1. Symptom-free for the required exclusion period, and
2. Well enough to fully participate in indoor and outdoor activities (including active play).
   

Children must stay home if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:

• Fever: A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
• Diarrhea: Two or more bouts within 24 hours.
• Vomiting: Two or more episodes within 24 hours.
• Undiagnosed rash: Especially if blistering, spreading rapidly, or oozing.• Communicable illnesses: Chickenpox, influenza, strep throat, whooping cough, measles, COVID-19, or other contagious conditions.
• Severe respiratory symptoms: Persistent cough, wheezing, or di7iculty breathing.
• Eye infections: Pink eye with discharge (bacterial or viral).
• Lethargy, excessive irritability, or unusual behavior: If the child is unable to comfortably participate in routine activities.

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• If a child arrives at daycare with symptoms or develops them during the day, they will be removed from group care and brought to a quiet, supervised area until a parent/guardian arrives.
• Families will be contacted and must arrange pick-up within 2 hours.
• If symptoms worsen suddenly (e.g., di7iculty breathing, seizure, unresponsiveness), sta7 will call 911 immediately and contact the parent/guardian.

• Children must not be medicated at home (e.g., given Tylenol or Advil) and then brought to daycare to mask symptoms.
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications may only be administered at daycare if:
  • They are in their original container,
  • Clearly labeled with the child’s name,
  • Accompanied by written authorization from a parent/guardian, and
  • Dosage instructions are clear.
• Emergency medications (e.g., EpiPen, inhalers) will always be kept accessible to sta7.

• If your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease (e.g., chickenpox, influenza, strep throat, hand-foot-and-mouth, COVID-19), please inform the centre immediately.
• We are required to notify Fraser Health Licensing of certain illnesses and will follow public health guidance on exclusion periods.
• Parents of other children may also be notified (without identifying details) when a communicable illness has been confirmed in the centre.

Children may return to daycare when:In certain cases, a doctor’s note may be required before a child can return.

• They have been fever-free for 24 hours (without medication).
• They have been free of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours.
• Any rash has been diagnosed and cleared by a physician, or has resolved.
• For bacterial infections (e.g., strep throat, pink eye), the child has been on prescribed antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
• They are well enough to fully participate in both indoor and outdoor activities.

In certain cases, a doctor’s note may be required before a child can return.

• Families should have a backup childcare plan in case their child is too ill to attend.
• Refunds, credits, or discounts are not provided for days missed due to illness, absence, or exclusion, as operational costs remain the same.
• We understand illness can be stressful for families, and we encourage open communication so we can best support your child’s recovery and return.

• We encourage good hygiene practices at the daycare, including regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and sanitizing toys and surfaces.
• Families can support us by keeping sick children home, promptly reporting symptoms, and reinforcing good hygiene practices at home.