Illness & Exclusion Guidelines: When to Keep Your Child Home
Every parent has faced the morning dilemma: “My child doesn’t feel great—should I keep them home or send them to school?” It’s a tough call, and at Brainy Kids Place, we know families want to do the right thing for their child and others. That’s why we have clear illness and exclusion guidelines in place. These policies protect every child, parent, and staff member in our Brainy Kids Place family.
Why Illness Policies Matter
Children learn best in a healthy environment. By following consistent guidelines, we can:
- Prevent the spread of contagious illnesses
- Protect children with developing immune systems
- Ensure teachers and staff stay healthy to provide quality care
Common Illness Exclusions
We ask parents to keep their child home if they are experiencing:
- Fever of 100°F or higher
- Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours
- Contagious conditions like strep throat, pinkeye, or chickenpox
- Heavy, persistent cough or difficulty breathing
- Head lice (we follow a no-nit policy)
When Can My Child Return?
- Children must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication.
- If your child was sent home sick, they must be out for at least 36 hours from the time of pickup.
- For certain conditions (like strep throat), a doctor’s note may be required before returning.
Our Commitment to Cleanliness
While children are home recovering, our team works to sanitize classrooms, toys, and bedding. This extra step keeps germs from spreading and creates a fresh, healthy environment for when children return.
A Partnership with Parents
We know it’s not always easy to keep a child home, especially with busy schedules. But by following these guidelines together, we can ensure a safe and healthy school for everyone. Families appreciate the consistency, and children thrive in a community where wellness comes first.
👉 Want to learn more about how we keep children safe and healthy? Book a Tour and see our commitment to health in action.
