POLICY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

If a child exhibits any of the following symptoms, the child should not attend the center. If such symptoms occur at the center, the child will be removed from the group, and parents will be called to take the child home.

 

Severe pain or discomfort

Acute diarrhea

Episodes of acute vomiting

Elevated oral temperate of 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit

Lethargy

Severe coughing

Yellow eyes or jaundice skin

Red eyes with discharge

Infected, untreated skin patches

Difficult or rapid breathing

Skin rashes in conjunction with fever or behavior changes

Skin lesions that are weeping or bleeding

Mouth sores with drooling

Stiff neck

 

Once the child is symptom-free, or has a health care provider’s note stating that the child no longer poses a serious health risk to himself/herself or others, the child may return to the center unless contraindicated by local health department or Department of Health.

 

EXCLUDABLE COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

A child or staff member who contracts an excludable communicable disease may not return to the center without a health care provider’s note stating that the child presents no risk to himself/herself or others. These diseases include respiratory, gastrointestinal, and contact illnesses such as Impetigo, Lice, Scabies, and Shingles.

Note: If a child has chicken pox, a health care provider’s note is not required for re-admitting the child to the center. A note from the parent is required, stating either that at least six days has elapsed since the onset of the rash, or that all sores have dried and crusted.

If a child is exposed to any excludable disease at the center, parents will be notified in writing.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORTING GUIDELINES

Some excludable communicable diseases must be reported to the health department by the center. The Department of Health’s Reporting Requirements for Communicable Diseases and Work-Related Conditions Quick Reference Guide, a complete list of reportable excludable communicable diseases, can be found at http://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/reportable_disease_magnet.pdf.