Disease Prevention and Control Protocol

Purpose

The purpose of this protocol is to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all children, staff, and families at Wonderful Children Preschool. This document outlines the measures and procedures to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases within our community.

General Guidelines

1. Daily Health Checks

      •   All children will undergo a brief health screening upon arrival. Staff will check for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, rash, or other signs of illness.

      •   Children who show signs of illness will not be admitted to the preschool for the day.

2. Illness Policy

      •   A child exhibiting any of the following symptoms must remain at home:

         •   Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

         •   Persistent cough.

         •   Runny nose with thick or discolored mucus.

         •   Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours.

         •   Unexplained rash.

         •   Red or irritated eyes (suspected conjunctivitis).

      The child may return to the preschool only after they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication or with a doctor’s note confirming they are no longer contagious.

3. Notification of Illness

      •   Parents must notify the preschool immediately if their child is diagnosed with a contagious illness (e.g., flu, strep throat, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, COVID-19, etc.).

      •   The preschool will inform all families, maintaining confidentiality, about any contagious illnesses present in the community.

4. Hygiene Practices

      •   All children and staff must wash their hands:

         •   Upon arrival at the preschool.

         •   Before and after meals.

         •   After using the restroom.

         •   After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose.

      •   Hand sanitizers will be available throughout the facility for use when handwashing is not immediately possible.

5. Cleaning and Disinfecting

      •   Toys, surfaces, and high-touch areas will be cleaned and disinfected daily.

      •   Items that cannot be easily sanitized (e.g., soft toys) will not be shared among children.

Sick Child at Preschool

1. If a child shows signs of illness during the day:

      •   The child will be immediately separated from the group and supervised by a staff member in a designated isolation area.

      •   Parents or guardians will be contacted to pick up the child within one hour.

2. If a child is not picked up promptly:

      •   Emergency contacts listed on the child’s registration form will be called.

Prevention of Spread

1. Vaccination Requirements

      •   All children must have updated vaccination records as required by local health regulations.

      •   Families must submit proof of immunization before enrollment.

2. Exclusion During Outbreaks

      •   In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, the preschool reserves the right to exclude children who are not vaccinated or who are showing symptoms of illness.

3. Special Precautions for Infants

      •   Families with children under 12 months of age will receive additional communication and support to ensure the safety of their infants.

Family Responsibilities

1. Keep your child at home if they are unwell or showing signs of illness.

2. Inform the preschool of any exposure to contagious illnesses within your household.

3. Adhere to the preschool’s health and safety policies, including providing required medical documentation if requested.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the preschool’s Disease Prevention and Control Protocol may result in:

1. Written warnings.

2. Temporary suspension of the child’s attendance.

3. Permanent exclusion from the preschool in cases of repeated or severe violations.

Acknowledgment

Parents/guardians must review and sign the Disease Prevention and Control Protocol as part of the enrollment process. By signing, families agree to abide by the guidelines and support the preschool’s efforts to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all.