Keep me home if…

Health Policy and guidance courtesy of KCPH

At Hilltop, the well-being of our community is our top priority. We partner with King County Public Health and our Nurse Consultant to establish and uphold the latest standards for illness prevention, ensuring a safe and developmentally appropriate environment for every child.

Key Points:

  • Children with specific symptoms are not permitted to remain in care, and families are notified promptly for pick-up.
  • After exclusion, children are readmitted 24 hours after symptoms resolve, and Public Health guidelines are met.
  • Communication is vital, and we notify families of potential exposure to communicable diseases, providing relevant information.

The 24-Hour Rule:

Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F or higher. The child must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (Tylenol/Advil) before returning.
Vomiting: If a child has vomited two or more times in the previous 24 hours.
Diarrhea: Two or more watery stools in 24 hours, especially if the child looks or acts ill.
Return Policy: Students should stay home for 24 hours after the last time they vomited or had a watery stool.

When to Stay Home (General Illness/Respiratory):

Respiratory Illness: Individuals with symptoms of a respiratory illness (cough, sore throat, etc.) should stay home.
Return Policy: You may return when it has been at least 24 hours since symptoms began improving and you have not had a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication).

COVID-19 Expectations:

  • Continuous monitoring of developments and adherence to guidance from Public Health.
  • Mask wearing is optional for adults and children inside our centers.
  • Protocols for individuals exposed to COVID-19 at home, with a focus on testing, isolation, and symptom improvement.

Exposed to a Close Contact at Home:

  • Individuals may attend the center with negative daily antigen tests between days 1-5 of exposure, wearing masks. Proof of negative results must be emailed before entry.

We are committed to adapting and implementing necessary changes to maintain a secure environment. Your cooperation and adherence to guidelines contribute to the collective well-being of our community. Thank you for your trust and collaboration.