Keep me home if…

Our organization works in partnership with King County Public Health and our Nurse Consultant to determine the most current standards around illness to both keep our community safe and our center open to support children and families.

Excluding ill children

All children are observed for signs of illness when they arrive at the early learning program and throughout the day.

Children with any of the following symptoms are not permitted to remain in care:

  • Fever: for children older than 2 months, a fever of 101º F or above, as read using a digital forehead scan thermometer (temporal scan) or digital thermometer placed under the arm (axillary method), accompanied by one or more of the following:
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • Earache
  • Headache
  • Signs of irritability or confusion
  • Sore throat
  • Rash
  • Fatigue, crankiness, or illness that limits participation in daily activities
  • Vomiting: 2 or more occasions within the past 24 hours
  • Diarrhea: 2 or more loose or watery stools more than normal for the child in a 24 hour period; or any blood or mucus in stool
  • Rash: Body rash (not related to allergic reaction, diapering, or heat)
  • Open or oozing sores (unless properly covered with a waterproof dressing and 24 hours has passed since starting antibiotic treatment, if antibiotic treatment is necessary) or mouth sores with drooling
  • Lice: Children can remain in care until the end of the day head lice are found. Children may return after they have received their first treatment. Parents should consult with a child’s health care provider for the best treatment plan for the child. The life cycle of a louse is about 25 to 30 days, so sometimes treatments need to be repeated 7 to 12 days after the first treatment to kill newly hatching lice.
  • Scabies or ringworm: Children can remain in care until the end of the day scabies or ringworm are found. A child with scabies may return after he/she has received his/her first treatment. Children should see their health care provider to be assessed and get an appropriate prescription for treatment and instructions on its proper use.
  • Sick appearance, not feeling well, and/or not able to keep up with program activities.

 

Children with any of the above symptoms/conditions are separated from the group and cared for in the center admin office.  Family or emergency contact is notified to pick up child.

Following exclusion, children are readmitted to the program when they no longer have any of the above symptoms and/or Public Health exclusion guidelines for childcare are met.

We notify families when their children may have been exposed to a communicable disease or condition (other than the common cold) and provide them with information about that disease or condition. We notify parents and guardians of possible exposure by email.

COVID-19 Expectations

We are continuously monitoring the latest developments in and around our community. As more information becomes available, we are adapting and making changes to our safety measures and protocols. We are also following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health of Seattle and King County (PHS&KC) and other government organizations.

In line with safety measures, we are implementing the following protocols and policies in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Masks

Mask wearing is optional for both adults and children while inside our centers with the exception of persons who are known close contacts with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

If exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, adults and children over 2 should wear a well fitted mask for 5-10 days after last exposure & get tested 3-5 days after last exposure with 1 PCR or 2 Antigen tests taken 24 hrs. apart.

Children and staff with COVID-19 symptoms (no known exposure)

A child or faculty may return to the center after staying at home for 24 hours (if sent home sick from school) if they are:

  • fever-free for 24 hrs (without medicine)
  • has improved symptoms, and
  • has emailed covidcare@hilltopcc.org proof of Neg. PCR or 2 Antigen tests taken 24 hrs. apart.

Testing positive for COVID-19

Regardless of vaccination status, all persons testing positive for COVID-19 should isolate for at least five days (day 0 being the day you test positive). On the morning of day 6 take an antigen test. If the test is negative, you may return to the center. If the test is positive wait 24 hours and retest. You can return to center once you receive a negative test result. *Antigen tests are required for this as they test for active COVID-19 and will read positive as long as COVID-19 is active in your system.

Exposed to a Close Contact at Home

  • Not Fully Vaccinated – May attend center provided they test negative using an antigen test each morning and wear a mask between days 1-5 of exposure. Email covidcare@hilltopcc.org proof of negative antigen result before entering the program on days 1-5 after initial exposure.
  • Fully Vaccinated – May attend center provided they test negative using an antigen test each morning and wear a mask between days 1-5 of exposure. Email covidcare@hilltopcc.org proof of negative antigen result before entering the program on days 1-5 after initial exposure.

Quarantine After Close Contact Not Necessary

Persons exposed to COVID-19 will No Longer be required to isolate or quarantine unless they display symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.

  • Not Fully Vaccinated – May attend center provided they test negative using an antigen test each morning and wear a mask between days 1-5 of exposure. Email covidcare@hilltopcc.org proof of negative antigen result before entering the program on days 1-5 after initial exposure.
  • Fully Vaccinated – Can continue to work and attend center after exposure if symptom free.